What economists call the "contingent" workforce in a single generation has begun to transform the world of work, not only for temporary workers, but also for those in traditional permanent jobs who are competing with a category of employees receiving lower pay and inferior, if any, benefits. Often, the only door open is to work for a company on a temporary basis until a permanent position opens up. In many cases these temporary workers are finding themselves waiting for years with no prospect for permanency.
See "Permanent Job Proves An Elusive Dream", Jonathan Weisman, The Washington Post, October 10, 2004