Gig work expanded significantly during the pandemic and now accounts for a significant chunk of U.S. economic output; the FTC cited a 2019 estimate that the sector would generate $455 billion in annual sales by 2023. In a statement Thursday, FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter said the commission’s statement “makes clear that FTC is going to use the full breadth of its authority” to protect gig workers from unfair conduct.
“Just as consumers deserve the benefits of competition when it comes to purchasing goods and services, gig workers deserve the benefit of competitive markets for their labor,” she added. “Robust competition for workers’ labor can help boost wages, improve benefits, and lead to better working conditions. Scrutiny of business practices and enforcement against law violations are key components in this effort.”
Historically, the gig space has been a fraught one for HR professionals, with regulators indicating that employers may face legal action for misclassifying workers as independent contractors. In June, the U.S. Department of Labor said it would be revisiting its regulations on the subject, and it asked workers and employers to provide input.
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