Evaluation of working conditions in discount stores within the framework of flexibilization, precariousness and precariat concepts: mersin case

With the expansion of the service sector and the increasing number of discount stores, this research aims to understand the working conditions in A-101, BİM and ŞOK discount stores, which employ around 200.000 employees, what the effects of neoliberalism are on the working conditions in the service sector and in these stores, and how the elements of flexibilization, precarization and precariatization affect the working conditions in these discount stores. This research aims to show, describe and interpret these experiences with a critical sociological perspective within a theoretical background centering on the concepts of flexibilization, precarization and precariat. The research was conducted as a qualitative study with a case study design. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 participants working in discount stores in Mersin using purposive sampling and snowball sampling, which are non-probability based sampling techniques. The findings of the study show that flexible working does not provide positive results in terms of working conditions of employees in discount stores; it negatively affects their work-life balance by leading to an increase in working hours that are not reflected in wage increases, let alone having control over their working lives; it leads to compulsory unpaid overtime, mobbing and forced resignation, prevention of union rights, sales pressure, inadequate occupational health and safety practices, and more exploitation of their labor rather than welfare, and as a result of all these, it leads to precarious work and precariatization.