Self-Employed Certification Pushed for Gig Workers

Lawmakers should consider creating a new “safe harbor” classification for certain gig workers who want to be treated as independent contractors, a business catering to self-employed consultants said May 3.

MBO Partners Inc. is proposing a certification system to be overseen by the Small Business Administration in which self-employed workers could waive protections that come with being classified as traditional employees of their clients, according to a paper posted on the company’s website. The certification would be available only to those workers who charge at least $50 per hour, perform jobs for more than one client and have nearly complete ...