Pfizer, which has operations in Kalamazoo, is one of a growing number of big companies that use "microworkers" in place of employees, reports MLive.com. "Microwork" involves contractors bidding on pieces of projects that companies post online. The pay, depending on the complexity of the work, can range from pennies to hundreds of dollars an hour.
The story says a 2009 study by the Human Capital Institute in Washington, D.C,. found one-third of the U.S. work force was comprised of contract, temporary and part-time workers.
Excerpt: Microwork also could be contributing to sluggish job growth in the U.S. as companies farm out more work to independent contractors rather than take on full-time employees.
Employment services, a broad category that includes temporary workers and contractors, grew 5.2 percent in Michigan over the past two years. It was one of the few categories to show employment growth.
Some, noting that corporate profits are at record levels, say companies can well afford to hire more workers.
To read more about nontraditional work arrangements, read the
rest of the story.
Source: MLive.com
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