Is Your Uber Driver an Employee or an Independent Contractor?

Abstract

Harris and Krueger examine policy ramifications of the gig economy• Whether a worker is classified as an employee or a contractor determines whether laws protect him or her.• Many American workers—in traditional and gig economy jobs—are misclassified by employers.• “Recognize a new legal category for independent workers that requires benefits and protections for workers … who fall in the gray area between employees and independent contractors.”