Reply to: Normality resumes

[TheBigYinJames]

...and in general terms, I can completely understand where they would come from, but it's not nice when it becomes personal.

Sometimes it's 'apparently' jokey jibes and names, e.g. 'contractorscum'. Easy to laugh along with, just think of your last invoice.

Now and again you get non-cooperation, and what would amount to downright bullying. For the non-cooperation, just make sure you have all your paperwork in order, let someone else kick their butts. For the latter, remember that as a freelance worker you're still covered by Equality laws in the workplace.

[MaryPoppins]

It goes deeper than that, I've seen it in quite a few companies.

When large (sometimes ex-civil-service) companies start using contractors, the long-standing permie workforce is coerced to go along with it, because they're project managers, and the resourcing makes sense.

Usually after a while they realise it's no longer temporary, and it's usually at this point there is some Union action to quell or control the numbers or durations. The company itself usually vigorously defends the use of freelance labour. At this point it becomes very us and them.

Forced to use us, but they hate the company siding with us over the issue of our use.

...and in general terms, I can completely understand where they would come from, but it's not nice when it becomes personal.

[Mich the Tester]

It goes deeper than that, I've seen it in quite a few companies.

When large (sometimes ex-civil-service) companies start using contractors, the long-standing permie workforce is coerced to go along with it, because they're project managers, and the resourcing makes sense.

Usually after a while they realise it's no longer temporary, and it's usually at this point there is some Union action to quell or control the numbers or durations. The company itself usually vigorously defends the use of freelance labour. At this point it becomes very us and them.

Forced to use us, but they hate the company siding with us over the issue of our use.

Is someone who doesn’t have the brains to figure out that in such a situation they should join the contractors really worth employing?

[TheBigYinJames]

I haven't experienced open contractor vs permie animosity before. Just cos he is too insecure to take the contractor route, the stupid knacker.

It goes deeper than that, I've seen it in quite a few companies.

When large (sometimes ex-civil-service) companies start using contractors, the long-standing permie workforce is coerced to go along with it, because they're project managers, and the resourcing makes sense.

Usually after a while they realise it's no longer temporary, and it's usually at this point there is some Union action to quell or control the numbers or durations. The company itself usually vigorously defends the use of freelance labour. At this point it becomes very us and them.

Forced to use us, but they hate the company siding with us over the issue of our use.

[MaryPoppins]

Couldn’t you organize a group ‘simulated sympathy session’? All contractors report to the room and say 'aaahhhh, diddums'.

I am trying to organise a group sneering session - so far it's just me though.

Did you like my use of the word 'knacker'? I need to use it more.

[Mich the Tester]

It is all quite baffling, and the drama has been unfolding all day - it's great.

I haven't experienced open contractor vs permie animosity before. Just cos he is too insecure to take the contractor route, the stupid knacker.

Couldn’t you organize a group ‘simulated sympathy session’? All contractors report to the room and say 'aaahhhh, diddums'.

[MaryPoppins]

Nice reply. But why would permie nonse be so upset? If they are that good, and not just sitting back taking the easy ride, they could go contract!

More importanlty, you never told us who won? Cmon the contractor!

It is all quite baffling, and the drama has been unfolding all day - it's great.

I haven't experienced open contractor vs permie animosity before. Just cos he is too insecure to take the contractor route, the stupid knacker.

[TheFaQQer]

Just been told the exchange went as follows:

Perm: You. (Points finger in contractor's face) Are scum. Contractor scum. You're a <bad c word>. I am three times better than you, and you're paid three times as much as me. How does that work?

Contracto: I don't think you are three times as good, but I do believe I'm paid around 4.5 times as much as you; if that helps?

(Brief scuffle ensues)

Nice.

[shaunbhoy]

I don't understand why some permies have a bee in their bonnet about contractors.

Insecurity about their own ability. In the overwhelming majority of cases, well-founded.

HTH

[northernladuk]

Contracto: I don't think you are three times as good, but I do believe I'm paid around 4.5 times as much as you; if that helps?

LOL. Why I can't be this quick. Would just tell him to Fk O Fk W or something a lot less intelligent and articulate. These types of comebacks always escape me when I need them most

[norrahe]

The realisation that their beloved company likes us better than them

It is normally the case, considering that we are the ones who'll get the work done.

I think the worst thing is contractors with permie mentality.

[TheBigYinJames]

I don't understand why some permies have a bee in their bonnet about contractors.

The realisation that their beloved company likes us better than them

[norrahe]

Just been told the exchange went as follows:

Perm: You. (Points finger in contractor's face) Are scum. Contractor scum. You're a <bad c word>. I am three times better than you, and you're paid three times as much as me. How does that work?

Contracto: I don't think you are three times as good, but I do believe I'm paid around 4.5 times as much as you; if that helps?

(Brief scuffle ensues)

Ouch!

Good comeback though

I don't understand why some permies have a bee in their bonnet about contractors.

[Jeebo72]

Just been told the exchange went as follows:

Perm: You. (Points finger in contractor's face) Are scum. Contractor scum. You're a <bad c word>. I am three times better than you, and you're paid three times as much as me. How does that work?

Contracto: I don't think you are three times as good, but I do believe I'm paid around 4.5 times as much as you; if that helps?

(Brief scuffle ensues)

Nice reply. But why would permie nonse be so upset? If they are that good, and not just sitting back taking the easy ride, they could go contract!

More importanlty, you never told us who won? Cmon the contractor!

[Mich the Tester]

Just been told the exchange went as follows:

Perm: You. (Points finger in contractor's face) Are scum. Contractor scum. You're a <bad c word>. I am three times better than you, and you're paid three times as much as me. How does that work?

Contracto: I don't think you are three times as good, but I do believe I'm paid around 4.5 times as much as you; if that helps?

(Brief scuffle ensues)

You can be nice to me, you can be nasty to me, you can ignore me and you can even insult me. As long as you pay.