"Scores of workers from MTV Networks walked off the job yesterday afternoon, filling the sidewalk outside the headquarters of its corporate parent, Viacom, to protest recent changes in benefits.
The walkout highlighted the concerns of a category of workers who are sometimes called permalancers: permanent freelancers who work like full-time employees but do not receive the same benefits.
Waving signs that read “Shame on Viacom,” the workers, most of them in their 20s, demanded that MTV Networks reverse a plan to reduce health and dental benefits for freelancers beginning Jan. 1."
As someone who does a lot of freelance and temp work I can totally sympathize with these people. I've run across employers who label all employees as temps, contract and/or freelance in order to avoid taxes and benefits. You end up being screwed over in every possible way.
Unfortunately this is the direction that many employers seem to be headed. By not having direct employees they save in payroll and benefits, not to mention the legal liability that is removed. If it benefits the bottom line then eventually most employers will go there.
So what is the solution? What can we do to protect ourselves when we are in this situation? Private insurance costs much more than group insurance. There are programs for individuals though that closely match group policies. As for 401ks and pensions...that's more difficult. Saving for retirement when it's automatic is no problem but when the responsibility is put on the individual then life's small emergencies will take precedent over the deposit into the retirement account. It takes discipline to put back a large chunk of money each period. The options are there (IRAs, stocks, bonds, etc) but it is up to you.
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