To the Point
Is Temporary Labor the New Permanent?
Temporary employment is on the rise. We look at the potential consequences, which may be very different for blue-collar workers than for professionals or executives.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenTemporary employment is on the rise, and may become a much larger feature of the recovering economy. We look at the potential consequences, which may be very different for blue-collar workers than they are for professionals or in the executive suites. Also, Kofi Annan steps down as UN Envoy to Syria, and the current Congress is called the least productive in memory because of partisan gridlock. What's in store for next year?
Banner image: Labor Ready office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Photo by oddsandwich/flickr
In this episode
3 storiesKofi Annan Steps Down as UN Envoy to Syria
After 17 months, one of the world's most seasoned diplomats has failed to achieve even a ceasefire between the al-Assad government and rebel forces in Syria. Kofi Annan has submitted his resignation as special representative for the UN and the Arab League.
Read the story8 minIs Temporary Employment the New Normal?
It used to be axiomatic that a rise in temporary employment was a sign of economic recovery and that permanent hiring would not be far behind. In recent months, temporary hiring is on the rise, but the old pattern does not seem to be holding. More temps are being hired and they're being kept longer, but fewer employers are making them permanent.
Read the story34 minThe New Politics of Extremism
Ohio's long-time Republican Congressman Steven LaTourette has resigned just three months before he was scheduled to stand for re-election. In Texas, Tea-Party candidate Ted Cruz has won an upset victory to become the Republican nominee for the US Senate. What do those two events tell us about the next session of Congress?
Read the story8 min
