The duty to bargain and exclusive representation of unions means that the process of entering into these contracts is not one of voluntary exchange comparable to other voluntary business contracts.
In future, councillors will judge whether services should be provided in-house, by private contracts, with the voluntary sector or in partnership with other local authorities.
Earlier this month UK dairy farmers and processing firms agreed a voluntary code of practice to help make contracts more transparent and develop "trust" within the industry.
The frenetic rush to prepare its second reading marked the beginning of a lifelong co-operation with the voluntary sector, not bound by commercial contracts but united by mutual trust.
If they don't like the Greek compromise, they should reject the "voluntary" offer, stand up for the sanctity of contracts and push for a proper default that would trigger CDS payouts.
But business minister Viscount Younger of Leckie insisted the new employment status was "wholly voluntary" and people could not be coerced into accepting revised contracts.