ECONOMIC CONCENTRATION AND THE EXTERNALIZATION OF LABOR

Current debate focuses on the consequences of massive layoffs and the search for ever-increased productivity. In this perspective, the futur e of work points towards even greater unemployment. This article propo ses a different interpretation the major trend is not so much towards the 'end of work' but to strategic expansion, through economic concent ration and the externalization of labour. Evidence is given to demonst rate this thesis, with empirical examples in different industries at n ational and international level. The externalization process which cha racterizes current economic restructuring is directly related to the s earch for greater flexibility. As a result of fierce competition, diff erent forms of labour organization are appearing as well as new costs fdr society. This article concludes that today's 'cascading subcontrac ting' is not only related to the externalization of labour costs, but also to the externalization of risks and responsibilities and, as such , contradicts more and more the basic principles of democracy.