Permanent Job Proves An Elusive Dream
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 Jonathan Weisman, The Washington Post, October 10, 2004