I recently blogged about Unethical Organizations and Absolute Power. Here is another piece; all of which are interrelated.
This piece is in defense of Independent Contractors, Freelancers, Consultants to some degree, and everyone who falls under the not-an-employee category (IC,F,C, et al).
A Case for IC,F,Cs
These folks (IC,F,C, et al) chose not to fall under the employee umbrella for a reason. But, there are still tons of obstacles that they have to overcome besides “controlling their own time,” “not being micromanaged,” “not having to deal with an overzealous employee,” nor “directly reporting to an insecure supervisor.”
Lots of people work as independent contractors, freelancers, or consultants on various companies’ platforms; mostly technology, providing services to the public. While most depend on it for their livelihood, others use those platforms for other reasons ranging from extra cash, side hustle, saving for a big purchase or a vacation. Whatever reasons the people use the platforms for is their prerogative.
Many IC,F,Cs deal with other issues that erode the notion of independence. There is an unchecked power game (only it is in solo mode) of vices, oppression, and injustice.
The Government said …, But
The platforms don’t pay health benefits, even though they have been mandated to. Sure, they send you the information. But, it’s contingent on other things. And the health premiums are so high that no one can touch them. These platforms also restrict how much you can earn by controlling what gets to you or not, using the almighty algorithms. They indirectly control your time. If you don’t get the work, you can’t make the money, and you have to keep coming back. Kinda like a dog chasing its own tail.
If you drive, you rack up higher miles on your car which the platforms don’t pay you for. This is on top of insurance issues and vehicle maintenance.
You pay service and admin fees for using these platforms. These fees are forty to fifty percent (sometimes close to sixty) of what you earn on the platforms. In the end, one wonders if the CFCs are actually working for themselves or merely working for the platforms.
Why not convert them to employees because they are not independent in the true sense. I imagine at least that will come with “better” benefits. Maybe. Maybe not. Who knows. But with all the above issues, I’ll be leery being their employee.
Another Issue
Another obstacle (or issue) to overcome (or deal with) is that the IC,F,Cs could be deactivated any moment for no cause.
You’re Fired!
Being a contractor and having to be deactivated on a company’s platform, or being an at-will employee and being let go, without any reason is grossly unfair and, in my humble opinion, an abuse of power. It feels unjust and leaves individuals feeling vulnerable.
It’s essential for companies to provide clear communication and reasons for such decisions to ensure fairness and transparency.
I wonder out loud, “Whoever invented the at-will clause?” must not have a soul. Several thoughts will run amok in the mind of the individual. Especially if the person knows that they have done nothing wrong. And, if such a person were not strong, or God holding s/he, such person will lose their mind. May God help us all and shield the vulnerable in our midst. Playing politicks with others’ livelihoods is wickedness. Yet, one is supposed to collaborate in business and be a team player at the workplace.
Some workers (or partners) are threatened by other’s existence. Why, I don’t understand. But this is where it stems from; people lying about people (slander). May God forgive them.
Working with a “wicked” team player (or business partner), sounds like a double-edged sword to me. We gotta go to work with the whole armor of God!
You might be wondering, too, “why did you choose such a place or person in the first place?” Thanks for asking. I asked, too. The truth is that a lot of people are very good at concealing until you get closer to knowing them better.
I’m positive that most IC,F,Cs will choose to return to the workforce if they could be hired. But again, it’s catch 22 like they say.
I’ll end again with Lord Acton’s famous quote, which continues to reflect a timeless truth about the nature of these platforms and its potential for abuse.
Think-Talk 