Temp Agencies: Bane or Boon

Posted by
Paym Bergson
Jul 9, 2008

Even though I normally promote Temp Agencies as a viable work stream, it is disconcerting to read about unscrupulous agencies as in this week's article. What disturbs me most though, is that potential employees actually feel compelled to sign these one-sided contracts. What is so wrong with going to another agency? If the practice is not as prevalent as the industry would like us to believe, then potential employees would have alternatives - and the "bad" agencies would disappear or have to clean up their act due to lack of employees.

So what's wrong with this picture?

First, potential employees have to realize they do have rights, and not all Temp Agencies are alike. DO NOT sign any contract - you can always think about it, and check elsewhere. If most of the agencies in your area seem to be this dishonest, try one in another area. Or see if you can change your lifestyle and accept night work at a company. Many companies need full time workers in all areas for a night shift - this is not just stocking shelves, but with 24 hour promised service, many companies are implementing the midnight shift for office work.

Second - employers need to see employees as real people, not pegs to fit holes. If everything must be legislated to get this idea across, so be it. While it is never good for the economy to have one side more powerful than the other, at least unions forced big business to look at working conditions for employees and not just profits.

__________________________________________________________________