The growth of drivers working for app-based platforms who are treated as “independent contractors” is characterized by the companies having no federal responsibility to pay minimum wage, protect workers against sexual harassment, or offer workers paid leave or health care benefits. Excluded from the National Labor Relations Act, independent contractors like gig workers also lack […]
Uber and Lyft drivers are currently treated as self-employed “independent contractors.” This work arrangement prevents them from accessing basic labor protections, such as minimum wage, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance. The lack of labor standards has led to calls in the State of Illinois to categorize the drivers as traditional employees, either through a new […]
The City of Chicago has experienced a significant increase in app-based transportation network provider (TNP) services, also called “ride-sharing” services. Drivers working for Uber, Lyft, and Via—the three TNP companies licensed with the city—are currently classified as self-employed “independent contractors,” an arrangement that prohibits them from accessing basic labor protections, such as minimum wage laws. […]
Despite its pervasiveness in debates over the future of work, defining the “gig economy” in a consistent and meaningful fashion remains a challenge. This challenge hinders research to understand the prevalence and effects of nonstandard work, as well as efforts to design policy to improve opportunities for nonstandard workers. While contending with fundamental limitations in […]