WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 1.2 million essential workers in grocery, meatpacking, retail, and other essential industries across North America, released the following statement regarding yesterday’s ruling by the Department of Labor (DOL) clarifying who is an employee and who is an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“Countless Americans rely on the gig economy’s essential services every day and gig workers need these guidelines to ensure they have access to the same rights, benefits, and protections as other workers. This ruling is a critical step forward for workers across the nation who are erroneously classified as independent contractors, allowing companies to avoid giving these workers fair wages and benefits.
Gig workers now have a chance to thrive right alongside the companies they work for, with access to the better wages and increased protections they deserve. The decision to work more hours, take more jobs, or use an app does not automatically make you an independent contractor and the UFCW is glad to see the Department of Labor affirm that in their classification guidelines.”
###
The UFCW International is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.2 million workers and their families in grocery, meatpacking, food processing, healthcare, cannabis, retail, and other essential industries. UFCW members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.