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In 2014, approximately 14% to 20% of the U.S. workforce consisted of independent contractors known as “gig workers.” In 2020, the number increased to approximately 35%. Some sources estimate that by 2023, nearly half the workforce will consist of freelance and independent workers. The gig economy is nothing new, but with the new employment environment […]
The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) latest decision in a case involving the misclassification of workers is further evidence of the Board’s willingness to reverse precedents set under the previous administration, but the decision doesn’t lessen the risk of misclassifying employees as independent contractors.
by Patricia Heyen The North Carolina Employee Fair Classification Act (EFCA), which will take effect on December 31, provides a mechanism that allows workers to more easily report—and state agencies to more easily prosecute—employers that misclassify workers as independent contractors instead of employees. The new law increases the potential impact of worker misclassification, including higher […]
by Gary S. Fealk Smart businesspeople are adept at finding ways to reduce their costs. However, cutting costs associated with employment by using independent contractors is a big risk unless you take great care to make sure you aren’t misclassifying employees as independent contractors. What’s all the fuss about? Various government agencies have been increasingly […]
Employers in an array of fields lament a shortage of talent. Sometimes employers are able to attract a flood of eager applicants, but few possess the skills and qualities needed. Other times, employers need people for special, short-term projects, and they don’t want to take on full-time, permanent employees to get the job done. No […]
The freelance economy continues to grow, and from many indications, workers and companies each enjoy the benefits.
by Jo Ellen Whitney This summer, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) indicated that under new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations issued in May, it might be necessary for various employers to change some workers’ overtime exemption. In a blog post on the DOL website, the agency also indicated that employees would be thrilled […]
by Kyla Stott-Jess and Mitchell Barnard The phrase “class action lawsuit” can strike fear in the executive ranks of any large company. The development of class action law in in the employment context has been slower north of the 49th parallel than in the United States. Recently, though, a line of cases has been paving […]
by Ryan B. Frazier Whether workers are properly classified as employees or independent contractors has been an increasingly hot topic in discussions about the American labor market. Independent contractors are deemed to own their own business, making them responsible for covering most of their own business expenses, taxes, and costs. Worker classification is governed by […]
The flurry of speculation is finally over. The White House and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have released the new final rule governing which workers must be paid overtime. The changes aren’t quite as drastic as what employers were preparing for based on the contents of the proposed rule made public last summer, but […]