Precarization and differential exploitation of immigrant workers in the construction sector: the case of the city of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

Abstract

This article presents the main results of a study on the role and conditions of immigrant workers in the construction sector. It was carried out based on 32 semi-structured interviews with immigrant workers and social agents working in the construction sector of the city of Rosario. The study highlights the differential exploitation of immigrant workers employed in the sector because to: the high presence of immigrant workers in the sector, marked by the precarity of relations and work conditions; the precarity of their legal status, which forces them to sell their workforce under non-negotiable conditions; their direct dependence, especially in the initial period, from their employers when they are "recommended" for possible jobs.