US disposable workers surge study

Labor economist Paul Osterman published a book and survey showing that more than one in three U.S. workers (about 57 million of 162 million) are treated as 'disposable' by employers. He identifies three categories: contractors employed by staffing firms (13% of workforce), organizational freelancers (5%), and marginal workers with high turnover and no career path (17%). Examples include adjunct professors, staff attorneys, and part-time workers. The trend is driven by cost savings, avoidance of benefits, and flexibility, with the Affordable Care Act incentivizing part-time hiring. The article also notes that United States — New York City and United States — New Jersey are targeting Amazon (company)'s use of subcontractors for delivery drivers.