Flexi-time and its effects on employees : a study of female employees in the Maltese textile industry

Abstract

This study initiates by describing the insights of the textile industry and the implications of the factory system. This dissertation continues by establishing companies' strategic Flexibility. Special attention is given to the aspects of flexibility - Numerical, Functional and Financial, and a distinction is made between quantitative and qualitative flexibility. The research indicates that external and quantitative flexibility tend to have a negative impact on working conditions, although not necessarily on both, 'conditions of work' and 'conditions of employment'. This research also indicates that flexi-time is a management tool in order to achieve its objectives, by reducing costs without sacrificing quality. This study had its limitations in collecting data, because flexi-time within the textile industry in particular, exist only within two factories. One of which is DSSL Services Ltd. and has been operating with such system for the past fifteen years. Another form of flexi time was introduced only a few time ago at V.F. Malta Ltd. in the form of Double-Day Shift. This dissertation concludes by portraying the need for Social Partners to readdress the issue of flexi-time and implement preventive legislation to avoid any form of abuse or discrimination.