Wisconsin gig workers could become independent contractors under bill headed to governor’s desk 

From Wisconsin Public Radio, Anya van Wagtendonk discusses a bill passed by the Wisconsin legislature that would allow gig drivers to be classified as independent contractors. Anya writes:

awmakers in both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature approved a bill Wednesday that would formally classify gig drivers for transit apps — such as delivery drivers and rideshare operators — as independent contractors, rather than employees.

The bill states that drivers for transit apps, like Lyft and Uber, or for delivery services, like DoorDash or InstaCart, are not direct employees of those companies, exempting them from receiving worker’s compensation, minimum wage requirements or being eligible for unemployment insurance.

The legislation, which is supported by major tech companies like Uber, DoorDash and Instacart, was backed by nearly all Republicans and a handful of Democrats. Those who voted for it argued the independent contractor classification gives workers the freedom to set their own hours and drive for multiple companies without restrictions.

It’s opposed by the labor union AFL-CIO and most Democrats, who argued that gig workers often take those jobs out of necessity, and should be entitled to certain baseline standards, such as a minimum wage.

The bill also establishes “portable benefits” for such workers, which would allow eligible drivers to pay into accounts that would then help cover paid leave, retirement, health care or catastrophic events.

Source: Wisconsin gig workers could become independent contractors under bill headed to governor’s desk – WPR

See also: Wisconsin Legislature approves bill for gig worker portable benefit accounts and What to know about a Wisconsin bill giving gig economy drivers option of benefits