There is no question the gig economy has changed the way people work. However, it is not often clear whether a worker is an independent contractor or an actual employee. The difference is quite significant. An independent contractor will generally not be entitled to the myriad city, state, and federal labor and employment protections that apply to employees, and will not be eligible for employee benefits, such as health insurance or pensions.

As the number of gig workers continues to grow, so do the voices calling for these workers to be treated as employees. If New York state follows in California’s footsteps by shaking up the state’s gig economy and allowing challenges to employers’ worker classifications, millions of contract, or gig workers, could potentially become eligible for benefits similar to that of employees.