Jon Weinberg is a student at Harvard Law School.
Last month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission adopted a Strategic Enforcement Plan for 2017-2021 to “set forth its continued commitment to focus efforts on those activities likely to have strategic impact in advancing equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination in the workplace” – and indicated that the gig economy will be a priority for the agency going forward.
Notably, the EEOC recognized that employment discrimination ensuring from the rise of the gig economy is a major issue. Categorizing the gig economy as an “Emerging and Developing Issues priority,” the Plan states the EEOC will “address issues related to complex employment relationships and structures in the 21st century workplace, focusing specifically on temporary workers, staffing agencies, independent contractor relationships, and the on-demand economy.” The EEOC specifically stated that it will prioritize “clarifying the employment relationship and the application of workplace civil rights protections in light of the increasing complexity of employment relationships and structures, including temporary workers, staffing agencies, independent contractor relationships, and the on-demand economy.”
Professor Sachs and Professor Noah Zatz have both addressed how the gig economy can give rise to discrimination against workers on the basis of race, sex, religion or national origin, and recently an Uber driver filed a complaint with the EEOC alleging Uber ratings are racially discriminatory. While Title VII only applies to discrimination against employees, and not independent contractors, the EEOC’s demonstrated commitment to addressing the gig economy indicates it may become an ally of workers seeking rightful classification as employees.
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July 4
The DOL scraps a Biden-era proposed rule to end subminimum wages for disabled workers; millions will lose access to Medicaid and SNAP due to new proof of work requirements; and states step up in the noncompete policy space.
July 3
California compromises with unions on housing; 11th Circuit rules against transgender teacher; Harvard removes hundreds from grad student union.
July 2
Block, Nanda, and Nayak argue that the NLRA is under attack, harming democracy; the EEOC files a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by former EEOC Commissioner Jocelyn Samuels; and SEIU Local 1000 strikes an agreement with the State of California to delay the state's return-to-office executive order for state workers.
July 1
In today’s news and commentary, the Department of Labor proposes to roll back minimum wage and overtime protections for home care workers, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by public defenders over a union’s Gaza statements, and Philadelphia’s largest municipal union is on strike for first time in nearly 40 years. On Monday, the U.S. […]
June 30
Antidiscrimination scholars question McDonnell Douglas, George Washington University Hospital bargained in bad faith, and NY regulators defend LPA dispensary law.
June 29
In today’s news and commentary, Trump v. CASA restricts nationwide injunctions, a preliminary injunction continues to stop DOL from shutting down Job Corps, and the minimum wage is set to rise in multiple cities and states. On Friday, the Supreme Court held in Trump v. CASA that universal injunctions “likely exceed the equitable authority that […]