WASHINGTON (May 5, 2022) – The App-Based Work Alliance, a coalition representing millions of workers nationwide choosing independent work, today released the following statement in response to Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh’s comments on gig workers.
“In these tough economic times, providing access to flexible earning opportunities must be a priority. The vast majority of app-based workers choose to work fewer than 20 hours a week and want to remain independent contractors so they can earn income on their own terms and set their own schedules. We encourage the Biden Administration to listen to these workers and develop modern policies that allow workers to keep the flexibility they want and need while also expanding access to protections and benefits.”
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BACKGROUND:
The Labor Department rule proposed by the previous Administration never went into effect and the Biden Administration has not announced a new rule, so the Administration’s move today to withdraw the previous rule will not have any impact on current regulations.
MARCH 2021 POLL: 91% of app-based workers said they would stop working for the app-based companies if they lost the flexibility they currently enjoy, and 77% of app-based workers would rather be independent contractors than employees
FEBRUARY 2021 POLL: Nationwide, 79% of app-based workers want to remain independent contractors, with only 13% expressing desire to become employees.
AUGUST 2020 POLL: Both workers and voters overwhelmingly support plans to remain independent contractors while having access to benefits.