Political Activity Restrictions on Temporary Work in the Cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Ticino The efforts to limit temporary work in the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Ticino are particularly paradoxical in view of the general trend toward flexwork. The spectrum ranges from reporting requirements when awarding public procurement contracts to the prior notification of open positions to the Regional Employment Office (RAV) and quotas for the use of temporary workers – all measures with a focus on public procurement and thus on the construction sector. This is problematic for several reasons: On the one hand, the construction sector is more suitable for flexwork than almost any other industry. Due to a shortage of skilled workers, top minimum wages and consistently well-filled order books, jobs in this area offer the equivalent of a well-paid job guarantee in practice. The regulations deprive people and companies of the opportunity for flexible work. Particularly with regard to construction companies, there is a danger that they will resort to riskier, less secure forms of work such as subcontracting, work on call, one-man companies and undeclared work. On the other hand, the restrictions also deprive the industry of the possibility of relieving the public employment service and thus not least the taxpayers. In talks with cantonal politicians, cantonal industry associations and authorities, the Secretariat drew attention to these consequences and pointed out the extensive services provided by the temporary employment industry in the area of social protection.
Temporary Work as a Solution for the Flexwork Trend The trend toward more flexible work is unbroken – both as an employee need in the context of work-life balance and as a company need in the context of competitiveness. The temporary employment industry is a proven solution to meet these needs. The combination of good education and flexibility promises to be the gold standard for Switzerland. In a dialog with politicians, authorities and associations, swissstaffing wants to contribute toward its attainment.
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