Democracy Rules

Uber has become a household name due its innovative approach to providing cheap and reliable taxi and car services through its mobile and Smartphone app that connects drivers with passengers. It represents a work model wherein anyone can become gig workers and freelancers without having to give up their day job. However, the gig economy is also a model where the workers do not receive health, social security, pension benefits, paid leave or time off for medical reasons. Many believe this is no different from the colonial model of worker exploitation where hourly wages and per task payment is the norm, without annual bonuses and long-term benefits. Unlike traditional jobs where employers tend to take a long-term view of worker performance, gig work is a ruthless and competitive scene where someone is only as good as their latest gig and there are no laws that protect worker’s rights.

Advocates claim our labor laws have not kept pace with the changes in our society. They say many Americans are denied workplace protections because their employers inappropriately classify them as independent contractors. They claim this prevents millions of exploited American workers from negotiating better working conditions or assuring safe and healthy work environments. In 2018, there were 10.6 million workers, or about 7% of all American workers, who were independent contractors.

Proposed Legislation: Reintroduction of H.R.5143 - Protecting Independent Contractors from Discrimination Act of 2021
Prospective Sponsor: Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large)

I oppose reforming current gig economy policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA).
I support requiring that independent contractors be treated as employees under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Winning Option »» I support requiring that independent contractors be treated as employees under title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.