work dilemma - a question of principle - what should i do?

[Matariki]

The contract agency I've worked for for years gave me some paperwork to sign for a week long Flash gig at Microsoft (which is now over). I thought it was the usual sort of temporary worker agreement and signed it but forgot to send it to them (fortunately). Well after the job was over they asked for it and I actually read it. It's atrocious.

Not only is it asking for things like a county, federal and state criminal search and an education verification (i'm okay with that stuff since it's job related) they also want a credit report and 'consumer' report (whatever that is).

The fine print reads: "I consent to have a background investigation made as to my character, professional reputation, employment history, credit history, driving record, educational background, criminal record, personal characteristics, and mode of living."

AND MODE OF LIVING!!! What does that mean???

it goes on: "I am aware that the investigative consumer report I consent to have prepared may include information obtained from interviews with my past or present neighbors, friends, associates, employers, or co-workers, among others, who have or may have information about me"

and then: "I hereby forever release, discharge, exonerate, hold harmless and indemnify CIS Inc, its employees, representatives, agents and subcontractors, and any other person, entity, organization or institution furnishing information to them from any and all liabilities of every nature and kind, including but not limited to claims for libel, slander, invasion of privacy, related tort claims, misuse of information obtained from CIS Inc. and any other claim or cause of action arising out of the furnishing, inspection, or copying of any documents" and so on.

Well of course, no way will I sign the egregious invasion of personal privacy. And as a matter of principle - I believe the more people bend over and sign crap like this the worse our society becomes. But - I've put my agency - who I like working for - in a difficult legal bind by not reading and signing it before working the job.

Any advice? Should I cross out the objectionable parts (most of it)? Should I just say no?

[man4allcats]

1. I would suggest some subtle reply such as

You fucking Nazi bastards! Are you out of your goddamn minds?! No way am I signing this fascist pig shit!

Just my thoughts on the matter. You may wish to modify it some. Glad I could help. }(

[Matariki]

2. well yeah, that one crossed my mind too. thanks.

[Walt Starr]

3. Too late, job's over.

No do-overs. Say you're sorry, but they should have really asked for it before the gig ended.

[Matariki]

7. the dilemma part is this

i've worked through this agency for 6 years. i'm starting a contract tomorrow that i like and want to keep. although i won't sign it, i'm trying to figure a 'graceful' way to go about it.

[Must_B_Free]

12. They have no leverage, already

They don't want to take you from the client because of THEIR issue. There's nothing they can do.

[DesEtoiles]

4. Don't return it! Or if you do, hand-mark it to read the way YOU want

strike out, edits, etc. and INITIAL EACH change and COPY IT and then send it back

[DesEtoiles]

5. OR dup a contract you used before and LIKE - modify as necessary and

send that back instead

[FloridaPat]

6. You doing a job at the Department of Defense? Unless it's for a security

clearance, there is no need for most of that.

[Matariki]

8. ha! you'd think

nope just a week long graphic art job for Microsoft. I've contracted for them before and never had to sign anything this insane.

[philosophie_en_rose]

9. Be honest, but wait until someone else brings it up.

Don't mention anything until they mention it.

If the paperwork was needed for a previous job and it's over, there is no reason for Microsoft to gather information about you. They no longer have an interest in your background. In fact, if it were that important, they would have held the job until you did sign the paperwork.

If you're pinned down, be honest. Say that you didn't remember the forms before you were hired. Also, that there really isn't a reason to sign at this point and you're uncomfortable signing the paperwork for no reason.

[Matariki]

10. what i was doing

today got NEED THAT RELEASE FORM TODAY email. Breach of contract (theirs not mine) and so forth.

Thanks for all the advice. I just crossed all the truly objectionable parts out. Looks like something requested from the B* admin via FOIA ;-)
Meaning there's about a dozen words left.

I'm sure, now that I crossed out the part saying I won't sue for libel or invasion of privacy, the company that does the 'investigating' won't touch it with a pole.

[linazelle]

11. keep "forgetting" it, if that fails, claim the dog ate it/ nt