Q & A Table of Contents
I Can't Get Enough Of You (If Your Name Is Dollars)
From: Adam, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Question: I have taken a temporary position in the USA for a period of time unspecified to me by my temp agency at a rate of $16.00 per hour. I have seen the contract between the Agency and the company I work with and the Agency has been retained for a period of two months at a rate of $24.00 per hour.
The company I am with has valued my work and is thinking about providing me with full time employment although details have not been as yet discussed.
My question to you Sir is two-fold: 1) is it appropriate from an ethical perspective (in your point of view) to negotiate a higher rate for myself and 2) how to proceed in negotiating a higher rate.
Response: The fact that your Agency charges the company to which you are assigned more than your Agency pays you is more than appropriate. It is generally considered unethical to look at the private documents of your employer, even if they happen to relate to you.
The Agency is in business to make money and needs to cover overhead as well as make a profit. Frankly, their paying you 2/3 of what they charge for your services is extremely high. If I were you I would keep my mouth shut regarding a pay increase.
If your contract with your Agency allows you to accept a job with one of their clients, there's no reason not to pursue the opportunity. If the contract you signed does not allow that, you are bound by the contract's existing terms unless you can get the Agency to agree to change the contract on that issue.
Sincerely,
Steve
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