Independent Workers, 30 Percent of U.S. Workforce, an Emerging Political Force
A Washington Times editorial notes that independent workers make up 30 percent of the U.S. workforce and are, as yet, not a fully recognized constituency:
As presidential candidates roll out new health-care plans that rely on employers and government, they might turn their attention to this fact: Independent workers — which include part-time workers, the self-employed, contractors, temporary workers, leased workers and on-call employees — have emerged as a powerful force in America. Today, they constitute more than 30 percent of the U.S. workforce and are among the most politically and civically active Americans. Despite their growing importance, independent workers are absent from policy debates in Washington and health-care plans announced by presidential campaigns
America’s 42 million independent workers are valuable assets to our economy and make businesses more efficient. Temporary workers and independent contractors allow employers to manage a workforce based on seasonal demands, fluctuations in workloads and the need for specialized skills without permanent staff. Hiring independent workers also enables a nimble response to structural economic shifts, such as increased international competition that requires businesses to become more efficient. Trends in telecommuting make the use of a flexible workforce more attractive for businesses and the workers themselves
Independent arrangements also benefit workers with a diversity of interesting projects and more time to balance work and family. These arrangements also provide workers with income in industries in which permanent work is not a viable option. Individuals with flexible work can use their time and specialized skills efficiently and not get caught in crippling bureaucracies.