Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo did not mince words in calling out corporate entities that make their buck off the backs of gig workers: The New Jersey Department of Labor collecting these funds from Uber is a powerful precedent.

It’s been in court across the country for a while now. Interests advocating on behalf of gig workers say otherwise. The difference is fundamental.Ĭorporate interests have long been fighting to keep gig workers classified as independent contractors. These aren’t entrepreneurs, small business owners, and consultants operating as freelancers or self-employed- these are people cobbling together a living on gig work. There is woefully inadequate regulation around this classification regarding the rise of the modern gig economy and the “ethical” treatment of workers.Īs a large amount of the workforce has transitioned to a more gig-based employment model, the typical “independent contractor” is that one neighbor of yours running food orders or chauffeuring drunks around to make ends meet. It also means that employers dodge paying taxes toward unemployment coverage. Workers labeled as independent contractors are denied access to legal protections such as temporary disability and family leave insurance, or insurance of any kind. The classification of workers as independent contractors has long been a get-out-of-jail-free card for employers looking to cut costs. Both the New York Times and CNN Business, amongst others, are reporting on this massive shake-up in the movement for rights for gig workers. Uber and its subsidiaries have coughed up $100 million in back taxes after the New Jersey auditors called bunk on classifying drivers as independent contractors. New Jersey is stepping up for Uber drivers.Ĭompared to classic employment roles, gig workers often get shafted in the benefits and protections department.

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