Abstract

The warehouse is a key node in the commodity chain and its workers play a vital role in the delivery of goods to the market. The work is increasingly dependent upon the use of temporary workers in lieu of permanent staff. Although legislation secures minimum labour and safety standards, the complications that arise from a triangular work relationship make for unfavorable working conditions, and difficult enforcement and interpretation of labour laws. Through twelve in-depth, semi-structured interviews, document analysis and participant observation, this case study highlights the experiences of a group of warehouse and factory workers. The research questions focus on the varied obstacles the workers face navigating contingent relationships within the workplace. Through this sector specific analysis, the findings highlight pressing issues in terms of job security, working conditions and broader social and integration concerns caused and exacerbated by this precarious employment. The nature and extent of warehouse-related work is unique in the sense that it is fast-paced and controlled by agencies and client enterprises in ways that make workers especially vulnerable to certain on-the-job dangers, and unscrupulous business tactics. Foregrounding the diverse experiences that arise as a result of the lack of accountability measures in the industry also points to systemic problems that may affect temporary agency workers, more generally, with and beyond this specific sector. This data thus helps inform progressive labour regulation by demanding the implementation of staffing industry regulations, examining current policy and practice and finally, by acknowledging and supporting the work of social justice organizations. �