Permalancer - What Does the Term Permalancer Mean?

Definition: According to the IRS’s website, a person is an independent contractor (or a freelancer) as opposed to an employee if they meet certain criteria. An IC generally has control over HOW the work is done, where it's done, during what times it is done, and absorbs some of the costs of doing the work, such as by providing equipment and supplies. However, sometimes it seems this IRS rule (also know as [LINK URL=http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html]IRS Rule/Form SS8[/link]) has gone completely out the window. There are entire populations of workers who work at the time the company says, within the company's offices, but who are paid as Independent Contractors (i.e. generally not given benefits or rights as workers/employees). The slang term "permalancer" has been coined to describe this group of people, who are freelancers, but of a more permanent employee status.