subject: Why do we still have Agency Dirty Tricks? [print this page] Why do we still have Agency Dirty Tricks?
An article appeared on ITContractor.com recently called "Top Ten Tricks Played by Agents on Contractors" and got a very large response both in terms of number of reads and replies from contractors and agents.
Both REC and Atsco have Codes of Conduct for abuses by their members.
However, although many contractors stated that a lot of the abuses were quite common, very little is done about it.
So we have a situation where there is a Code of Conduct, the abuses take place, but nobody reports them.
Why?
It's possibly because contractors don't know about it, or they don't trust agents to regulate themselves.
Lack of Trust
As contractors are unlikely to trust an association of agents as much, why don't the PCG instigate a process that brings abuses to the attention of Atsco and REC?
The PCG could first agree with those bodies what is acceptable or not, and then ask contractors to contact them when the Code of Conduct is abused.
The PCG could represent individual contractors in front of Atsco and REC more effectively than they could themselves. It might even be a way of getting people to join the PCG if they get the protection of the PCG when they are abused by agencies.
Are They Afraid?
They are working closely with Atsco and REC in other areas. Why not in this one? Are they afraid of upsetting them in case they don't get their support in other areas?
I don't see why those organisations would mind as they set up the Codes of Conduct in the first place.
Very often the management of the companies don't know the bad reputation that some of their rogue agents are getting them. There has got to be some change here, and some accountability, and the PCG are the best people to remove those irritations from contractors, and honest agents who are in the majority.
The PCG have had successes before. With their organisation and clout, I'm sure they could do a good job here too.
