ANALYSIS: Gig-Worker Classification Battles Spread to New Fronts

Gig worker classification battles have continued through Covid-19 and are spreading to new fronts. Beyond private class action lawsuits, the central question of whether gig workers are employees or independent contractors is giving rise to state litigation against companies, new labor regulations, and an epic state ballot initiative campaign. These trends will play out over the next few years, but Covid has already intensified the fight by raising the stakes for worker classification.

Driven largely by the ride-sharing industry, the swelling gig economy and workforce are comprising increasing shares of the overall U.S. economy and labor market. If gig workers ...