Some federal lawmakers want to make it easier for on-demand workers to get health insurance, retirement and other portable benefits, mirroring efforts already going on in some states.
The rise of the on-demand economy, popularized by companies such as ride-share giants Uber and Lyft, has lawmakers questioning workplace protections and seeking ways to fill the void of benefits offered to traditional employees.
On-demand or “gig” workers are often treated as independent contractors who usually are not offered benefits and don’t get minimum wage, overtime and workers’ compensation protections. Gig businesses are typically hesitant to offer benefits, at least partly because ...