Context

The struggle for gig workers’ rights took a big step forward this week when the California legislature passed a law classifying many such workers — including Uber and Lyft drivers — as “employees.”

About

Gig Economy

• In a gig economy, temporary, flexible jobs are commonplace and companies tend toward hiring independent contractors and freelancers instead of full-time employees.
• A gig economy undermines the traditional economy of full-time workers who rarely change positions and instead focus on a lifetime career.
• The gig economy can benefit workers, businesses, and consumers by making work more adaptable to the needs of the moment and demand for flexible lifestyles.
• At the same time, the gig economy can have downsides due to the erosion of traditional economic relationships between workers, businesses, and clients.