Are Temp Workers Being Abused?

Just what is a temporary worker? A temporary employee is a worker that is supposed to work for the employer within a certain amount of a time period, with no guarantees of long-term employment. This usually implies that little or no benefits are received by the “temp” worker. There is often a stigma attached to the temp worker and it’s almost impossible to ignore it.

Why Hire Temps?
Why would a company that already turns millions of dollars a year profit want to hire temporary workers? The answer may be more simple and grim than we might think – to save and earn even more money. Yes, it’s absolutely the truth. But, the overall picture that is usually painted on the nightly national news is that companies are struggling every day. And that may be the case for some.

The Bad Economy Saga: Meet The Temp
Especially in a bad economy where jobs are scarce at best, everyone is at risk. Even college grads find themselves vulnerable. Right? After all student loans have to be paid. And the dad that has to pay child support. He faces a dilemma. Work as a temp for a rotten company that could care less about his future or his health, or, be unemployed and go to jail for not paying his child support. Does he really have a choice?

The caring mother who wears many hats works from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. She has a family and her husband isn’t working. Her choice is work as a temp or no job at all. Little does she know that she is about to be axed.

The Benefit Of Using Temps
The benefits of hiring temporary employees from the company’s point of view are many. This is quite obvious. Let the temp agencies do all the work, which is screening, hiring, paperwork, payroll, etc. Temp agencies cover the insurance, which is usually minimal. Pay the temps as little as possible, give them no benefits, no vacation, no sick days, no holiday pay, and no seniority.

Temp Workers Lose All Rights And Dignity
Obviously, there is a lot to lose as a temp worker. You can and will  be harrassed by full-time employees, the maintenance crew, and completely ignored by management. You have no rights, little training, no job security, no future, no reason to try harder, because you will not be hired full time. Well, unless you have a family member in upper management of course!

You as a temp have no safeguards or protection from job harrassment, or getting fired, because you are completely disposable. The permanent employee is back outside talking on a cell phone ($15.00 per hour) while you are inside sweating bullets ($8.00 per hour). You’re not alone.

Stay Positive And Never Burn Bridges
Even though times are tough and employment is hard to find, one must keep a positive outlook whatever the case may be. Even though a temporary job may seem to not be working out for you, remain calm and talk it out with your employer. There is a chance that you may need to come back. And remember, a temporary job is better than no job at all. Consider all options.