A1 Journal article (refereed)
Posted work as an extreme case of hierarchised mobility (2023)

Arnholtz, J., & Lillie, N. (2023). Posted work as an extreme case of hierarchised mobility. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 49(16), 4206-4223. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183x.2023.2207341

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Arnholtz, Jens; Lillie, Nathan

Journal or series: Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies

ISSN: 1369-183X

eISSN: 1469-9451

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 23/05/2023

Volume: 49

Issue number: 16

Pages range: 4206-4223

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1369183x.2023.2207341

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/87343

Abstract

This article draws on a range of case studies to explain how worker posting can cause hierarchised labour mobility, involving nationality-based hierarchies in pay and conditions between workers in the same labour markets or work sites. This hierarchisation is most apparent on large construction sites, where companies systematically use posting for labour cost advantage, but it is also found on smaller sites and in other sectors besides construction. The article outlines three features of this low-wage posting system – worker hypermobility and dependency, transnational enforcement challenges, and multifaceted employer arbitrage strategies – that conspire to maintain posting as a form of hierarchised mobility. We argue that posting undermines many countervailing forces that typically mediate hierarchisation.

Keywords: posted workers; mobility of labour

Free keywords: posted workers; EU; labour mobility

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 3