Here’s what a new Biden administration labor proposal would mean for independent contractors

The Biden administration will soon issue a rule that may make it easier for workers to be considered “employees” instead of “independent contractors.”

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on Tuesday, signaling its intent to issue a formal regulation that would redefine how employers classify their workers.

The employee label carries worker protections like a minimum hourly wage and overtime pay. Workers misclassified as contractors may be eligible for damages covering some back pay of those benefits. Employees also qualify for unemployment benefits and worker’s compensation, for example.

The Labor Department would unwind a Trump-era rule concerning independent contractors that took effect in January 2021, shortly before President Biden took office. The agency would largely reinstate the prior status quo with a few changes, experts said.

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Article URL : https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/11/independent-contractors-may-feel-impact-of-new-white-house-labor-rule.html