ZERO-HOUR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FLEXIBILITY OR PRECARIOUS GROUNDS IN THE MODERN ERA?

Zero-hour employment contracts provide flexibility for both employers and employees but raise concerns regarding social protection and financial stability. These contracts, which do not guarantee a minimum number of working hours or a fixed monthly income, are prevalent in sectors such as retail and tourism, particularly in the UK. In contrast, countries like France and Germany have adopted more protective legislation, based on indefinite-term contracts and access to social benefits. In Romania, the proposal to introduce zero-hour contracts was rejected due to the risk of labor precariousness and the potential violation of the right to a decent standard of living. The main disadvantages include financial instability, difficulties in accumulating pension contributions, and the risk of exploitation. To prevent abuses, measures such as a guaranteed minimum wage, equal social rights, and strict regulations are necessary. Without such safeguards, zero-hour contracts risk becoming a tool for exploitation, with negative consequences for employees and society as a whole.