L'anglais seulement

November 11th, 2005

Editor, The Ottawa Citizen

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your series on the non standard or contingent workforce and potential concerns that underline a mandate of the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services (ACSESS): to serve as Canada's national advocate for ensuring professional ethics and standards in the staffing services industry. Our members commit to a code of standards that promotes ethical treatment of employees and clients, and adherence to all applicable employment and human rights laws. We also provide government relations, education and other initiatives to meet this mandate.

Contrary to your opening article by Juliet O'Neill, contingent employees are not the permanent underclass but individuals, often highly skilled, who benefit from the flexibility, opportunity and even greater security of this option. This choice helps thousands of new Canadians or previously stay-at-home mothers integrate into the workforce and others trying to accommodate family commitments, travel or a career in the arts. Aging baby boomers, technology specialists, financially secure two income families, entrepreneurs and many others - often require or desire more flexible employment opportunities than the traditional employment status quo. Temporary staffing companies are providing this flexibility by helping these people achieve their lifestyle desires.

In a capitalistic economy peppered with layoffs, workers employed by staffing firms enjoy enhanced job security. As the employer and agent of these skilled workers, a temporary staffing company can offer exposure to hundreds of different locations, organizations industries and opportunities. And some 27 per cent are hired on a permanent basis, according to a recent members' survey.

Despite the fact that some non standard workers may be in less than ideal circumstances, I would like to convey to your readers that there are ethical staffing firms and associations like ours focused on maintaining standards in the workers' and public's best interest. Our members primary objective is to provide improved opportunity to workers in all economic periods and to assist them in finding and achieving meaningful and enjoyable employment. For more information on ACSESS and to review our Code of Ethics and Standards, please consult our website at www.acsess.org.

Mary McIninch - Manager of Government Relations, Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services