Contingent Workers and COVID-19: A Crossroads

Giggers, many of whom deliver food, medicine, and other necessities during this current global health crisis, are labeled essential to our economy. As reliance on giggers spikes, could we see a re-consideration of how these workers are treated? These workers – who were previously denied unemployment benefits – are now eligible for unemployment under the federal CARES Act. Additionally, certain independent contractors are now eligible to apply for loans through the federal Paycheck Protection Program, administered by the Small Business Administration.

Join us as we discuss:

• How can companies take steps to protect contingent workers in the time of COVID-19 without increasing the likelihood that they will be considered employees?
• As the economy begins to reopen, will giggers find themselves with more leverage to demand portable benefits, higher wages, or reclassification as employees?
• How will courts and government agencies view work done by contingent workers during the pandemic and beyond?