New ‘Gig’ Worker Classification Gains More Support

A new legal category for “gig” workers is needed to address the unique issues posed for those employed in the on-demand economy, a pair of former Labor Department officials said in a paper published Dec. 7.

Dentons attorney Seth Harris and Princeton University labor economist Alan Krueger said lawmakers at the federal and state levels should consider a new “independent worker” category for those in on-demand jobs who fall somewhere between the traditional employee and independent contractor classifications currently in place.

These workers should be entitled to collectively bargain and should be made eligible for tax withholding and certain employer ...