Long-term Temporary Employees: Perceptions of Rights and Representation

Author

Gina L. Carey, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

12-1-2013

Degree Name

Master of Science in Education

Department

Workforce Education and Development

First Advisor

Calvin, Jennifer

Abstract

Between May 2008 and August 2009, temporary employees were solicited, interviewed, and hired by Agency A under the expectation that they would be eligible for conversion to permanent employee status at Company Z after a 90-day period. This qualitative case study examines those long-term temporary workers in regard to their perceptions of their rights, representation, and morale and performance levels after pre-employment promises were not honored. Potential participants were identified as long-term temporary workers employed by Agency A and assigned to Company Z. Participants were interviewed and results were transcribed and analyzed for a pattern or theme. Findings indicated that all participants entered into the employment agreement with Agency A with the understanding that the position was a temporary to hire position; that the job would lead to a permanent position with Company Z. While participants revealed feelings of frustration, isolation, insecurity and low self-esteem as a result of a perceived lack of representation from both the Agency and the Company, their perceptions of morale and productivity were surprisingly positive. In the subject of temporary employee representation and management there is a lack of diverse research, especially in the area of long-term temporary workers. This case study provides a glimpse into this population and indicates, on a small scale, the need for temp industry-wide improvements in the representation and management of long-term temporary employees. As the population of this sector of the workforce continues to rise dramatically, more focus is needed to avoid exploitation of long-term temporary workers and provide an equal work experience.