Precarious work in the Czech Republic and the approach of ČMKOS.

This article provides information as regards the extent and usage of flexible forms of employment in the Czech labour market, as well as the extent to which 'flexibilisation' may resolve the problems of unemployment exacerbated by the growth-related difficulties caused by the crisis. The author, an economic analyst with the Czech trade union, ČMKOS, notes that certain forms of flexible labour, such as part-time and temporary work, are less in use in the Czech Republic than they are in the rest of the EU as a whole, since the demand from employees is for full-time, open-ended employment opportunities. Likewise, the author dismisses any notion that the Czech labour market is a barrier to the creation of the necessary new jobs, dismissing these as a solution to the current crisis conditions, and arguing instead for policies designed to strength aggregate demand and create jobs. Finally, the article reviews recent changes to the Labour Code designed to encourage flexibility, commenting that these generally reduce protections for employees rather than improve opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]