Neoliberal labor relations: the 'ultra-contractual subordination'

Abstract

Neoliberalism has introduced new economic, political and legal conditions that significantly adulterate the employment relationship, especially in an essential aspect of the link between employer and worker that is often ignored: the power relationship between both parties. Whereas under the social-democratic m del the working class enjoyed from a better position of strength against capital, under the current neoliberal model factors (unemployment, precariousness and low wages) that increase the weakness of the working class vis-à-vis the capital have been reintroduced. A form of vulnerability arises (fear of losing the job) that the employer can actively use to intensify the subordination of the employee, pressing him to assume a subordination that goes beyond the one that has been agreed in the employment contract.