Hi,

I have been working with a Canadian bank as a temp through an employment agency. I have just completed 1 year at this job.

Before the recent contract renewal, I asked my contact person at the employment agency to either (i) find me another job , as I do not like my current job much , or (ii) get me an increment, as I have been working on the same per hour salary for the last one year.

The contact person refused both requests as (i) the job market is very tight (ii) the bank is not willing to give an increment.

As I am not sure about the truth behind the answer of the agency contact person, I wish to be more knowledgeable about the business model of these employment agencies.

Could anybody please briefly explain how these employment agencies work and what is the best way to get maximum from them?

Thanks,

MG.

Employment Agencies negotiate a contract with any of the clients that they supply manpower to. This means that there are pre-selected rates that they can offer to the associates working for them like yourself. Usually this is on the contract and markups are pre-set by the client such as your bank.

Only because one of the workers might think that they should now qualify for more $$$ based on the experience (unless you are for some reason bringing more money to the bottom line of the bank) - will not be a good enough reason for you get an increment.

Also keep in mind that due to recession there is unlimited skill availability out there. This means Agencies do not have issues in finding replacement in todays market for any skill. If they have to do that without disturbing their client - they would gladly do that.

Agencies are setup differently as to how they benefit from the associates that work through them, so if you are working through a branch that does not have many other clients for example - they will not place you else where -regardless of the job availability, Another reason might be that may be the markup they are making from your current placement if more value to them as compared to any other placements, they might still then choose to keep you where you are.

Bottom line: To suit what makes you feel comfortable is your problem and not your agency's lookout. They are servicing you because you make them money and quite a few of the agencies even though they look very caring - really dont care much. If you dont like the pay or the job - then you should MOVE-ON and not just keep expecting the agency to find you something better. You will have to do this for yourself. Just bear in mind they are a service provider to you and the client at the same time, This makes the client more valuable to the employment agency then yourself.

My advise to you - stick to your job (yes, with the same pay) as the economy is not good, and there are not many jobs out there currently. If you leave, trust me you will face even more difficult job scenario in today's market. That's my friendly advise to you. After all, even if you're earning the same for the last one year, you're at least gaining the experience which will be fruitful to you when economy recovers.

To add to febpreet's reply:

Continue working and start applying for other positions that you are interested in.
Ask yourself this: does your dislike of the job show to the employer? I am just curious as to why as a temp you have not been offered a permanent position. Many companies use temp agencies to try out potential staff.

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~ Morning rain

Thanks a lot folks.