NJ blasted over gig economy change that may make contractors employees

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The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has proposed new rules that could reclassify independent contractors as employees.

Businesses and some gig workers oppose the proposal, citing concerns about reduced flexibility.

The rules aim to ensure workers receive benefits like overtime pay and workers' compensation.

New Jersey lawmakers, some gig workers and business groups are broadly opposed to a push by the Murphy administration that could classify freelancers such as drivers for rideshare apps including Uber and DoorDash as regular employees rather than independent contractors.

They say the rules proposed by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development would undermine the flexibility that attracted workers to contracting jobs in