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Labor

Temp Land

Lost Wages, High Injury Rates, Few Benefits

Temp employment is climbing to record levels following the Great Recession. The system benefits brand-name companies but harms American workers through lost wages, high injury rates, few if any benefits, and little opportunity for advancement.

21 stories published since 2013

New Bill in Illinois Would Increase Temp Worker Protections

Illinois Revokes License of Temp Agency Check Cashing Store

California Governor Signs Bill to Protect Temp Workers

California Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Temp Workers

Senator Asks OSHA About Temp Worker Buried Alive In Sugar

Sugar Plant Removed Safety Device 13 Days before Temp Worker’s Death

Hummus Maker Warned of 'Extreme Safety Risk' Before Temp Worker’s Death

California Considers Bill to Protect Temp Workers

A Modern Day 'Harvest of Shame'

Temp Worker Regulations Around the World

U.S. Lags Behind World in Temp Worker Protections

Podcast: Outsourcing Labor, Injuries to the Growing Temp Industry

How to Improve Temp Worker Safety

Temporary Work, Lasting Harm

Podcast: Rise of the Blue-Collar “Permatemp”

The Expendables: How the Temps Who Power Corporate Giants Are Getting Crushed

Graphic: How to Fit 17 People in a Minivan

Los Sacrificables: Como Los Temps Que Dan Fuerza A Grandes Empresas Están Siendo Aplastados

Llevados al Engaño: Agencias de Trabajo Temporal y ‘Raiteros’ en Chicago

Taken for a Ride: Temp Agencies and 'Raiteros' in Immigrant Chicago

Where Does the Workers' Money Go?

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

Photo of Sharon Lerner
Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

Photo of Andy Kroll
Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

Photo of Melissa Sanchez
Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

Photo of Jesse Coburn
Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

If you don’t have a specific tip or story in mind, we could still use your help. Sign up to be a member of our federal worker source network to stay in touch.

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