Precarious work : exploring the narratives of employees with service contracting experience in a municipal government in Bataan

Date

6-2023

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Nancy M. Landicho

Restrictions

Restricted: Not available to the general public. Access is available only after consultation with author/thesis adviser and only to those bound by the confidentiality agreement.

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Abstract

Work in the government sector is widely expected to be secure and sufficient. However, the reforms in public administration have led to the prevalent practice of service contracting in the Philippine public sector, which has become a significant social issue due to the high number of government workers hired through this employment system. The employment system of service contracting is vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. These workers are often denied permanent employment through contracts under six months and deprived of various employee benefits. This study employed a narrative research design to explore the individual narratives of employees with service contracting experience in a Philippine local government agency. Ten respondents were recruited for this study through purposive and snowball sampling. In-depth individual interviews were conducted through a combination of offline and online interviews. The response of the participants was analyzed through restorying to present a chronological narrative of their individual experiences and thematic analysis to draw out recurring themes that will answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed the different perceptions and meanings the participants attach to service contracting. Initially, participants were primarily motivated to enter the job due to financial needs, work experience, influence from colleagues, and proximity to home. Reasons for staying included positive relationships with coworkers, passion for work and public service, and a desire for regularization. The precarious working conditions experienced by the participants involve the lack of benefits, exceeding job responsibilities, working beyond government working hours, discrimination, and delayed salary. Participants described their overall experiences as both enjoyable and challenging. Their narratives also revealed a desire for changes and improvements in the working conditions of service contractors in the country.

Language

English

LC Subject

Employee rights -- Philippines, Job security -- Philippines, Precarious employment

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2023 S7 Y53

Document Type

Thesis

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