Temporary Employees : Public Service as an Inglorious Leader

Abstract

The analysis of data from the IAB Establishment Panel shows that the share of temporary employment relationships in total company employment has risen from under four per cent in 1996 to over six per cent in 2006. An industry-specific observation further reveals that temporary work meanwhile is considered as a normal form of employment, particularly in the sectors of public administration and social services (health and welfare, upbringing, education, and charitable establishments such as, e.g., Caritas and Diakonie): 'About two thirds of engagements there are based on a temporary contract. Continued employment occurs relatively seldom, leavings from temporary employment are the most frequent 'instrument' of laying off personnel. Other ways of human resource policy in these sectors are partly prevented through the 'valve' function of temporary contracts, and to the disadvantage of those concerned. Establishments with excessive temporary practises do not provide a role model for human resource policy.' In sectors such as manufacturing and closely related services, which are particularly subject to international competition, temporary employment is only of minor importance. Also, in these sectors, temporary employment exhibits better perspectives of transition to regular employment. (IAB)

Cite article

Hohendanner, C. (2009): Befristet Beschäftigte. Öffentlicher Dienst unrühmlicher Spitzenreiter. In: Gewerkschaft Erziehung und Wissenschaft (Hrsg.) (2009): Bildung ist Mehrwert : Tarif- und Besoldungsrunde 2009, p. 41-45.