CURE Factsheet on Independent Contractor Regulation Sent to Congress

According to a 2021 Pew Research poll , 16% of Americans have earned income from an online gig platform. These Americans value the freedom and flexibility associated with utilizing such platforms. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) proposed regulation RIN 1235-AA43 may threaten the ability of Americans to earn more in a trying economic environment. The rule change will have reaching ramifications on various professions like Barbers, Truckers, Dog Walkers, Uber drivers and everything in between.

RIN 1235-AA43 is an attempt to nationalize a policy that has failed on the State level. The proposed rule would represent an attack on the American work ethic and a needless attempt to rob Americans of easy access to supplemental income and the flexibility to pursue it. RIN 1235-AA43 could force gig workers to adhere to regular work hours and choose between their main employment and supplemental income. RIN 1235-AA43 ignores reality; Gig workers have full control over their work schedule, and they do not want to lose it.

Furthermore, Pew Research polling on gig economy workers found:

• 68% view their work as a side job.
• 93% work less than 30 hours a week.
• 23% don’t work most weeks.
• 41% work less than 10 hours a week.
• 64% believe their pay to be fair.

RIN 1235-AA43 is a government answer to a problem that arguably doesn’t exist. Pew also found that most gig workers feel they are treated fairly with regards to pay, benefits, work quantity and work assignments. Similarly, a strong majority of Americans believe gig economy workers should be categorized as independent contractors with a plurality among both Democrats and Republicans. Similarly, a plurality of both Democrats and Republicans believe the current regulatory environment to be sufficient for ride hailing services.

This DOL regulation simply is not a response to worker demands or needs. It is nothing more than a feeble attempt by D.C. elites to unionize more workers and politicize their union dues. The existence of this proposal is a prime example of the disconnect between working class Americans and D.C. political operatives.

1. Anderson, M., McClain, C., Faverio, M., & Gelles-Watnick, R. (2021, December 8). The state of gig work in 2021. Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/12/08/the-state-of-gig-work-in-2021/