Contract Labor and the Limits to Worker Representation: The Case of Hyundai Automobile Plants

Abstract

The employment status of contract workers is generally characterized by precarious work and limited workers’ rights. Based on a case study of Hyundai automobile plants, this article demonstrates contradictions inherent in in-house contracting practices, which involve the deployment of contract workers alongside user firm employees. The use of contract workers has not only carried with it considerable changes in employment relationships, but also has great potential to undermine the rights of workers. Worker representation constitutes an important part of the changes in the workplace. By revealing structural constraints faced by contract workers in attempts to advance their interests in the user firm complex, the present study addresses the ‘representation gap’ between regular and contract workers and the associated problems. The findings of the study also shed light on tensions associated with the diversity of interests among workplace actors with respect to the union participation and representation of contract workers.