March 2008.  Temporary Conditions focuses on the use of temporary employment by Riverside County. The study found that the County employs temporary workers at double the rate of similar-sized, neighboring counties. Many workers are involuntarily in temporary jobs for a year or more, performing functions that should be permanent jobs.

The County does not provide healthcare coverage for temporary workers -- forcing taxpayers to subsidize the cost of their care. The workers also do not receive vacation days, sick days, or payment of Social Security, and they are paid less than permanent workers doing the same jobs.

The findings indicate that African Americans and women are disproportionately placed in temporary jobs.

Besides the harm to employees, temporary work diminishes the continuity necessary for quality services provided by the county, especially healthcare services. It also dampens the local economy by lowering the rate of homeownership.

Contact Natalie Nava at 619-584-5744 x 24 or natalie@onlinecpi.org for more information or to order hard copies of Temporary Conditions.