Temps, Vendors, Contractors: Tech's contingent workforce

Description

Tech companies (and the economy as a whole) have increasingly outsourced it’s workforce to temps (via staffing agencies), vendors, and contractors ("TVCs"). This is done in the name of cutting costs, increasing flexibility, limiting financial risk, and ultimately maximizing profits and appealing to shareholders. However, these corporate gains come at the expense of reduced wages, benefits, and job security for workers.

This learning club will discuss the tech industry’s practice of using contingent workers, it’s relation to increasing economic inequality, and alternate employment models which would be less exploitive and more aligned with the values and needs of most tech workers.

Readings

• I’m a gig worker. I understand why you don’t give me benefits. But please do. (Washington Post)
• How to Make Employment Fair in an Age of Contracting and Temp Work (Harvard Business Review)
• Inside Google's Shadow Workforce of Contract Laborers — Many Don't Have Health Insurance (Fortune)
• Facebook contractors faced Christmas ultimatum: accept wage offer or lose jobs (The Guardian)
• How Long Can a “Temp” Be on Assignment? (Pace Staffing)
• What Is the State of Joint Employment? (Employment Law Spotlight)

Discussion Questions

1. What are the narratives presented by tech firms regarding the motivations for using TVCs?
2. In which ways are TVCs treated differently than their FTE (full-time employee) colleagues?
3. How are the company policies which govern the treatment of TVCs informed by employment law? How are they shaped by internal decisions and corporate values?
4. What would it take to shift away from this practice in favor of a more equitable employment model?
5. How have TVCs been standing up for themselves recently, and what has the impact been?