(Are White Collar Workers in a Precarization Process?)

Abstract

Purpose – Precarization has emerged due to changing employment conditions as a result of the prevalence of post-Fordist production systems. The main indicators of the precarization process are insecurity and flexibility in employment conditions. The effects of precarization are observed on the entire labor force, regardless of class. The aim of this study is to explain the effects of precarization process on white collar workers. Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis method, which is one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. Analyzes were carried on the full texts of a total of 50 cases appealed to the Supreme Court by white-collar workers. The analysis of data was carried out through MAXQDA 2018 qualitative data analysis program. Findings – White-collar workers experience problems related to employment, skill reproduction, representation and job security, especially with income security. In addition, they experience employment and income insecurity problems due to job and wage flexibility. Discussion – The result of the search it is understood that white collar workers are in a precarization process. It is also predicted that the distinction between blue collars and white collars will gradually create due to the similarity of employment conditions.