January 2001
The United States is experiencing unprecedented economic prosperity. Unemployment rates are at historic lows, inflation appears to be curbed and new millionaires are being created almost daily. However, this prosperity has not guaranteed job security for all workers. In fact, we are seeing a dramatic rise in “non-secure” employment, or nonstandard work arrangements that do not provide the stability and benefits of regular, full-time work.
The highest growth was found in the number of workers hired through a Temporary Help Agency. This report analyzes state and county data for agency workers in California, focusing on 15 of the state’s most populous counties that account for 83% its population.
The study found that the number of temporary jobs had grown in all regions of California, and that temporary workers’ wages were less than those of traditional, full-time workers with similar personal and job characteristics. The study also revealed that the temporary workforce had higher proportions of women and African-Americans than the permanent workforce.
Working on the Margins sites solutions that focus on providing greater economic security to temporary and other non-standard workers, rather than completely eliminating their use.
