In a notoriously cyclical business, the use of temporary workers and undocumented immigrants is widespread.
But now the government has restricted the use of temporary workers.
Historically, rising numbers of temporary workers are a leading indicator for the broader labor market.
President Bush wants to create a new class of "temporary" workers in America.
That said, not a lot of temporary workers get placed during the summer.
(Further weakening the position of temporary workers actually hurts employment, both initially and in the long term).
So says Jeff Joerres, the boss of Manpower, an employment-services firm best known for its army of temporary workers.
The union wants a 5 percent pay increase and guarantees against outsourcing and the use of temporary workers.
Other governments, from Italy to South Korea, have reduced the number of temporary workers they let in.
The use of temporary workers by German firms will also be restricted to 18 months under the deal.
Like the hiring of temporary workers, an expanding workweek is a potential harbinger of more permanent hiring.
