Howard Metzenbaum: “the U.S. Senate is often referred to as ``the world's greatest deliberative body.'' I think most Senators are fairly…”

“the U.S. Senate is often referred to as ``the world's greatest deliberative body.'' I think most Senators are fairly well informed in the affairs of this country, but sometimes we just miss the boat. What if I were to tell you that there is a business trend most Senators know nothing about that affects 34 million workers, more than one-quarter of our work force? What if I told you that this trend leaves these workers with substantially lower wages, no health or pension benefits, little job security, and few legal protections? And what if I told you that this trend has a substantial impact on our productivity, our standard of living and our competitiveness as well? Mr. President, I think the Members of this body and all Americans want to know more about this issue and that is why I am here today. The problem I have described is a reality and it involves the growth of the contingent work force. It includes millions of part-time and temporary workers, leased employees and independent contractors. Let me give an example of this phenomenon. When President Clinton took office 1 year ago, he told the Nation that to improve our competitiveness, we must invest more in our own people, in their jobs, in their future. Twelve days later, the Bank of America announced plans to fire thousands of full-time bank tellers and rehire them as part-time workers. The company's action was not driven by economic necessity.…”