work dilemma - a question of principle - what should i do? [View All]

[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?