Independent Contractor Rule Redux Clears White House Review

A Labor Department proposal to define independent contractor status under federal wage and hour law was approved by the White House budget office Wednesday, the final step before the regulation is released.

One of the most contentious debates in the current employment landscape is when workers should be classified as independent contractors—frequently used by tech companies and in trucking and construction—or full employees who are due overtime, minimum wages, and other protections and benefits provided under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The proposal (RIN: 1235-AA43), expected to be released any day, will outline how the Biden DOL ...