Gig Worker Portable Benefits Draw Senator’s Call for Input (1)

A key Republican senator is seeking public comment on exploring changes to federal law that would give app-based gig workers and other independent contractors access to benefits like retirement savings accounts and health insurance without being considered employees.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, requested information from stakeholders Wednesday about legal obstacles in the way of providing benefits that would be “portable” from job to job. He cited the need for such benefits for workers who prefer the flexibility of being contractors in business for themselves.

His request included dozens of questions ...