As a society, we have developed the mentality of higher education being the gateway to stable and successful employment opportunities. In recent years, however, higher education no longer fulfills its traditional role as a means of avoiding precarious work, evident through the growth of work in this sector over the past 20 years compared to that of permanent jobs (Naidu-Ghelani, 2019). With a decline in permanent jobs composing the post-secondary workforce, there is an increase in temporary work that correlates to reduced benefits, pay and job security relative to that of full-time, permanent employment (CUPE 2018).
A recent study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) has presented information that suggests over one-fifth of professionals in Canada are involved in some form of precarious work, ranging from part-time work to freelance employment (Tencer, 2019). The 50% rise in temporary workers in Canada from 1998 to 2018 was accompanied only by a 33% increase in the number of permanent employees during this same time period (Naidu-Ghelani, 2019).
While the rise in precarious work is associated with reduced financial security and job stability, these effects are emphasized for women as there has been an observed inequality of those affected (Tencer, 2019). With the primary sectors affected being education, health care and social assistance, it was found that women filled almost seven of every ten temporary jobs in the education field, while filling eight of every ten jobs in the health care and social assistance field combined (Naidu-Ghelani, 2019). This is carried forward in almost all fields of employment with 85% of women in Canada working precarious jobs, whereas 73% of men have identified as working jobs in this sector (Naidu-Ghelani, 2019). Even more concerning is the problem of not being able to escape this type of employment. Ricardo Tranjan of the CCPA identified the people in this type of work being those that “did everything right”, having pursued higher education and passed their professional exams all under the false impression of a job being available for them upon their completion (Tencer, 2018). This is proven by survey results that showed precarious professionals to be more likely to have a post-graduate degree than those not in the field of precarious work (Tencer, 2018).
While precarious jobs are often regarded as inferior relative to full-time, permanent employment, jobs in this sector continue to be advantageous for certain groups of people. Precarious jobs are especially suitable for students who require short-term work during summer months between school years, or throughout the academic year while simultaneously trying to balance school. Often times, students rely on seasonal employment to be able to maintain a school-work balance. As well, precarious jobs can benefit seniors who desire short-term work to remain occupied following their retirement. However, the rise of jobs in this sector remains concerning for most looking to enter the workforce on a full-time, permanent basis to achieve financial stability and employment security.
Though it is likely that precarious work will continue to be a rising sector with increased employment opportunities, it is possible for individuals in this field to overcome the stigma associated with precarious work. However, for this to be achieved it is necessary that society adopts adjusted attitudes regarding temporary work (Tencer, 2019). After having changed factory jobs, which were once considered precarious work, into good jobs, it is possible to do the same with jobs today, though this would require a positive change in attitude regarding our perception of these opportunities (Tencer, 2019).
Employment relations remains a fluctuating field in which people continue to struggle to find stability in. However, it is becoming noticeably important for people to define success in their given sector of employment, whether that be precarious work or permanent employment, seeing as the demands of the market are constantly changing, and we as members of society have no choice but to adapt to the changing demands of the workforce.
References:
- Naidu-Ghelani, R. (2019, May 14). Number of temp workers jumped by 50% in last 20 years, StatsCan says. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/temporary-workers-employment-1.5135310
- Tencer, D. (2019, February 27). More Than 1 In 5 Canadian Professionals Have Precarious Jobs. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/precarious-work-professionals-canada_ca_5cd5618de4b07bc7297797c0?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly90LnVtYmxyLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACjcgPce4NPmSA3UMbQ75EWnVSvaaRnJnDnYuNbDX9A6ied4GN09vH-zY53zZhgNxNSbfhtoKpjWsUF6NODMe-ySt8wNzZo8V0os6BMzZ0-5THs09TVRd2B-KemNhxwThozfA2Us9BYrwuWdyCtlnql90Ad_3OYcInWrYWEb3ylU
- Canadian Union of Public Employees. (2018, March 15). Precarious work on the rise. Retrieved from https://cupe.ca/precarious-work-rise
Harjit Parmar 
Hi Harjit,
I found this topic very interesting because I am a fourth year university student and it will soon be time for me to enter the workforce. Finding a job is obviously something I worry about and it’s even more concerning that women are affected more severely as I do intend to go into healthcare.
Precarious work definitely seems to be a way for companies to accomplish their tasks while also being able to save money. Do you believe that as the precarious work sector grows, people will begin to demand equal employee rights?
While reading this I was thinking about if there could be benefits of precarious work. I came across this article in the globe and mail that discusses just this. It outlines some benefits and downfalls. I will link it below if you’re interested in reading it.
Great job!
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/rob-magazine/article-is-precarious-work-really-as-bad-for-the-economy-as-everyone-says-it/
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Hi Katie,
I do think that as the precarious work sector continues to grow, people will begin demanding equal employee rights, especially if a majority of employers are seeking to fulfill jobs on a short-term basis. Also, I do agree that there may be benefits of precarious work, especially for people of our age who are trying to balance work and school, and thus, rely on precarious jobs throughout the school year. The article you have linked also suggests this work to allow for a better work-life balance, which I had not thought of until now, but do see this as being a potential benefit of precarious work. Thanks for your response!
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Hi Harjit,
Thank you so much for sharing your opinions with us. You really did a great job!
I wrote my blog also about temporary jobs. I listed out the advantages and disadvantages about temp jobs compared to permanent jobs. I also mentioned the gender gap on the share of temp employment, especially in health care and social help area.
I really impressed about the reference you found about the specific share about female percentages.
Also, I really agree about you about the “precarious professionals to be more likely to have a post-graduate degree than those not in the field of precarious work”. This is one of the advantages of temp jobs. Temp job is much more flexible than permanent one. They can have more experience and have more time for their own besides their working time. They can work and spend time for their degree in the same time. Seasonal jobs or part time jobs allows them have time work and also pursue their degree.
Thank you again for your sharing.
Yiyao
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Hi Yiyao!
Thank you for your response! Precarious jobs are definitely more flexible, and thus, do benefit students who are finishing their degree and trying to work simultaneously to have some form of income. I think as students, the idea of a rise in precarious employment is concerning for our futures, though we often forget many individuals in our position rely on this work type to support their living while completing their education. As such, I think it creates a degree of conflict with our opinions regarding this sector of work. Do you believe this trend of a rise in precarious work will continue, or do you think we will eventually reach a point where the need for permanent jobs surpasses that of precarious work? I’m interested to hear your thoughts! Thank you again for the comment!
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