October 12, 2022US proposes redefining when gig workers are employeesUnited States labor officials proposed a rule change Tuesday that could make it easier for gig workers such as Uber drivers to be reclassified as employees entitled to benefits.The move by President Joe Biden's Labor Department would lower a bar set by his predecessor regarding when someone is considered an employee instead of a contract worker.The new formula includes factors such as how long a person works for a company and the degree of control over the worker, as well as whether what they do is "integral" to a business, according to the proposed rule."We believe the proposed regulation would better protect workers from misclassification while at the same time providing a consistent approach for those businesses that engage or wish to engage with independent contractors," Jessica Looman of the US Department of Labor said at a press briefing.The vote came after a contentious campaign with labor groups claiming the initiative would erode worker rights and benefits, and with backers arguing for a new, flexible economic model."