WOO4040 - A Con Temporary Tale
By stevew
- 578 reads
For seventeen years, I worked in export, sales and commercial
administration at a company manufacturing telecine and other television
studio/post-production equipment. Sometimes, I authorised the
timesheets of contractors: this made me feel quite important.
Then many of us lost our jobs. At the time of dismissal, the company
said that there was no money for any redundancy payments. But I did get
a letter: "the directors wish to thank you for your
contribution."
Eventually, I began a temporary job as a Technical Operator in a large
pharmaceutical company. The local and global leadership of this company
just love to explain why they are proud to work for a company of
integrity. I became Contractor reference WOO4040. I write that on my
timesheet every week.
Eighteen months later, I am still WOO4040: one of an army of 'temps'
working alongside permanent employees. We are expected to do the same
work as those privileged enough to have permanent employment, complete
with pride and integrity. We get paid, of course, but there are a few
benefits we miss out on: a pension; meaningful sick pay; reduced hours
'phase-back' to work after long-term sickness; full pay when taking a
holiday; the company's bonus scheme; share save and share options
schemes; the priority that the permanent staff get over temps when
applying for internal vacancies; an extra holiday awarded by the global
C-in-C; notice and redundancy entitlements if there are job losses. The
company regards itself as a 'good' employer, as an 'investor in
people', and points towards the benefits that its staff receive. It
does not publicise the large number of long-term temps who do not enjoy
any benefits or security. I have known temps dismissed because they
were unable to attend work through illness or injury: more 'chuck out'
than 'phase-back'.
It has been fascinating to be present at meetings when we have been
updated on the progress of the bonus scheme. The excitement of the
beneficiaries palpable, the rubbing of hands audible, while we, the
second class citizens sit through it in frustration, not daring to
voice our thoughts for fear of losing our jobs. Recently, the
privileged received letters advising what their bonus payments would
be: for most people, after deductions, between ?1100 and ?1500. We get
nothing.
I did get a letter though. The company advised that it was changing the
agency it used for temporary workers. They would be delighted for me to
transfer to this different agency and the HR Director said, "we value
your contribution."
Last year, there was news of a draft EU directive, suggesting that
soon, after eighteen months of 'temporary' employment, temps would be
entitled to the same benefits as those enjoyed by permanent staff. The
company's response was to introduce a policy of not employing temps for
longer than eighteen months. I got a letter from the agency. The
eighteen months will be taken as from 1st August 2002, so I can only
work until 1st February 2004. The manager at the agency wrote, "I would
like to thank you for all your commitment and hard work."
So, if I'm still there at the end of next January then that will be the
end of it. I don't suppose I'll get anything other than a week's
notice: apart from a letter, of course.
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