Contingent Work Force

The Teamsters union strike against United Parcel Service this summer highlighted major economic and social issues. While the union's victory was seen as a boost for the labor movement, the event also raised public awareness of the ongoing debate over America's increasing reliance on “contingent” workers. Made up of part-timers, temporaries, independent contractors and the self-employed, this widening “reserve army” of workers serves mostly at the convenience of the employers and the dictates of economic forces, and often must do with less pay and fewer benefits than full-time workers. Though the bulk of contingent workers embrace their “non-standard work” arrangements voluntarily, debate is focusing on the significant number who accept such uncertain status because it's their only choice.