Between Flexibility and Precarity

Abstract

The recent economic crisis has increased the demand for atypical, flexible work patterns. Czech lawmakers have thus been under a continuous pressure by employers to adopt more liberal labour laws. Any increase of flexibility in labour relations, however, increases the risk of worsening the conditions of employees and deepening of precarity in labour relations. The article focuses on the current legal regulation of flexible forms of work under Czech law, and attempts to evaluate to which extent these patterns represent a welcomed option for both employers and employees, and to which extent they trigger the risk of precarious work. The author describes legal instruments such as agreements on performance of work outside employment relationship, fixed-term employment, part-time employment, employment through temporary work agency and remote working. Particular attention is paid to illegal work issues and related proceedings against employers. In summary, the author concludes that the increase of flexibility in labour relations has had positive consequences in many aspects, but also debates potential issues and challenges arising of the legal regulation for workers.

Keywords: Precarity; flexible work; atypical work; agency employment; illegal work