Why Some Microsoft Temps Are Thinking Union
A group called WashTech is trying to unionize Microsoft's 6,000 temporary employees and independent contractors. Some of their complaints:
HIRING
Microsoft managers agree to hire people, then ask them to sign up as employees of a temp agency.
PERMATEMPS
About a third of Microsoft temps have worked there for more than a year, but they're not made regular employees.
BENEFITS
Temps often do the same work as regular employees but receive no benefits or stock options from Microsoft.
STATUS
Temps say they feel like second-class citizens, which is underscored by their orange badges vs. blue ones for regular employees. Temps can't go to company picnics or parties, use Microsoft sports fields, or play on company teams.
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