Protecting Jobs and
The concept of working as an independent contractor has been around for centuries. In recent years, new technology has given millions of Americans the opportunity to earn money, work flexible hours and be their own boss through independent contracting. Military spouses, transitioning service members, stay at home parents, and people just looking to earn a few extra dollars have all benefited from this type of work—not to mention the millions of consumers who are able to purchase all manner of services right from their phone.
More traditional businesses like insurance, transportation, logistics, technology, and journalism also use the independent contractor model to one degree or another. The fact is that the “traditional” employment model, where your employer tells you where, when, and how to work just doesn’t fit every worker, or every business.
Unfortunately, some states are looking to pass new restrictions on independent contracting. Through laws like AB-5 in California, legislators are threatening to close off the opportunities offered by independent contracting, and smother new business models that benefit workers and consumers.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is committed to protecting the opportunities offered by flexible employment models. Lean more about our work on this issue below.
What others are saying
- HR Dive - California's Proposition 22 passes in major win for food delivery companies
- Forbes.com - California’s AB5 Leaves Women Business Owners Reeling
- The WashingtonPost.com - Laws to protect Uber drivers could put freelance journalists out of business
Recent Activity
ArticleAug 31, 2021 - 5:30pm
Back to the Future at the NLRB
After approximately four years with a Republican majority, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on August 27 added a new member, David Prouty, whose addition to the Board changed control of it to a 3-2 Democratic majority.
Letters to CongressMar 04, 2021 - 9:15am
U.S. Chamber Key Vote Alert! Letter on the Parliamentarian
This Key Vote Alert! letter was sent to the Members of the United States Senate, on the Parliamentarian's decisions during this Congress.
In the NewsJan 06, 2021 - 4:45pm
DOL Announces Independent Contractor Final Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that its final rule on independent contractors will be published in the Federal Register on January 7. Click here for a copy of the rule.
ArticleNov 12, 2020 - 4:30pm
California Voters Pass Proposition 22
In the days after an election, one can find countless articles analyzing the results of myriad races, and to be sure, this year is no exception. While some aspects of the 2020 election remain unresolved one item of interest in California was settled decisively.
In the NewsNov 04, 2020 - 12:00pm
California's Proposition 22 passes in major win for food delivery companies
California voters passed Proposition 22, a ballot measure that exempts third-party delivery platforms from reclassifying drivers as employees. The vote was running 58% in favor of the measure and 42% against with over 70% of ballots counted.
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Postmates and Instacart contributed roughly $200 million to support the measure, which allows the companies to work around AB-5, an initiative California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law in late 2019 that requires employers to reclassify independent contractors as employees.
This election outcome preserves the business model of major food delivery companies in California. If Proposition 22 had not passed, the cost of transitioning gig workers to employee status would have financially gutted the already largely unprofitable restaurant delivery segment.
