Should gig workers be considered independent contractors? The debate continues.
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While gig workers are classified as independent contractors, state courts and workers are still debating whether that's accurate, or if it leaves app-based drivers and delivery workers far too unprotected.?
The classification seems unlikely to change anytime soon, with the California State Supreme Court ruling that the classification of gig workers as independent contractors under Proposition 22 was constitutional, affirming the status quo. Notably, the case was brought forward by a group of app-based drivers arguing that Prop 22 limited California's ability to enact laws that would give them the right to organize and access the state's workers' compensation program.?
"If gig workers would be classified as employees and not independent contractors, that would have a huge impact on [employers'] business models," says Stacey Chiu, senior associate with the law firm Michelman & Robinson and a member of their labor and employment practice. "With the court decision to uphold Prop 22, a lot of our clients sighed a breath of relief. But we are keeping an eye out for future litigation down the road. Fundamentally labor groups or other worker groups want to expand the benefits for gig economy workers."
THE BEST OF THE BEST: This year's annual Excellence in Benefits honorees stand out in the areas of HR leadership, tech innovation and benefits brokerage and advisory, going beyond their written roles to bring positive change.?
Creating the best experience for customers or their own employees, building personalized benefits and offering financial wellness opportunities are just some of the ways these dedicated executives work to give people what they need to be successful. They also know the power of continued learning, and because of that, they have shared moments that have shaped them as leaders.
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GEN Z LEADING THE PACK: Everyone knows that the youngest employees are typically the most comfortable with new tech, including artificial intelligence. But it may come as a shock just how much less knowledgeable older generations are.?
According to a recent survey conducted by a B2B outreach company Sopro, 93% of younger individuals between the ages of 16 to 29 have heard of AI, and 78% said they can explain it in some or complete detail. In contrast, 43% of people at least 70 years old had either never heard of AI or could not explain what it is at all.?
"Younger generations are more accustomed to using technology because it's what they have grown up with — they have never known the world in any other way," says Rob Harlow, chief innovation officer at Sopro. "And although technology can be difficult for everyone, older generations frequently find it considerably more daunting."?