Drivers hailed by apps. Housecleaners and dog walkers solicited online. Runners who bring food to your doorstep. Cities across the country have seen a surge in workers who set their own schedules and don’t answer to any boss.
As more people flock to opportunities in the gig economy and more companies press into this space, it’s become increasingly apparent that novel workplace schemes don’t fit into the existing labor structure that balances power between employers and their workers. Business models for most on-demand companies are built on the backs of independent contractors rather than employees, revealing a blurry line with wide consequences.
