Microsoft may have just accomplished what the WashTech labor union tried to do for years -- motivating its workers to band together and fight for their common interests. At least, that's the aim of a new site called MSRateCuts.org, which objects to the pay cuts expected to result from Microsoft's decision to reduce the rate it pays the agencies that provide many of its temporary workers.

The site, first reported this evening by the Seattle P-I's Joe Tartakoff, was started by a person who works at Microsoft through the Volt employment agency. I spoke with the worker a few minutes ago after contacting him through the email address on his site. He asked not to be identified, to avoid jeopardizing his job. Although he hasn't yet been notified of a pay cut, he's anticipating one.

"I signed a contract to start with Volt, and the fact that they're trying to reduce this rate mid-term is ridiculous," he said.

Microsoft is cutting, by 10 percent, the amount it pays employment agencies for workers currently assigned to the company. The agencies say they're within their rights to cut worker pay in response.

The MSRateCuts.org organizer contends otherwise, saying he considers the move illegal. He's starting with an online petition and, if that fails, he says he'll pursue a lawsuit over the issue.

TechFlash Archives: Q&A: Marcus Courtney, the guy who tried to unionize Microsoft.