Biden’s Independent Contractor Rule Threatens the Evolution of Work

Published

2 years ago

March 13, 2024

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The Labor Department’s new Independent Contractor Rule went into effect Monday, threatening gig workers’ independent status and the freedom and flexibility such workers have come to expect.

The new regulation imposes six criteria that employers must take into account when determining whether to classify a worker as an independent contractor or an employeea distinction that for many businesses ultimately determines whether they can afford to hire the worker at all.

Independent contractor status grants workers greater liberty to choose their schedules, hours, mobility, and clientele, whereas the “employee” designation limits these freedoms in exchange for requiring employers to guarantee benefits, such as health coverage and paid time off. Independent contractors could still receive such benefits before the rule, and competitive gig companies often do offer workers similar perks. But by turning self-employed workers into corporate employees, the new rule turns those optional benefits into mandatory (and usually far less individualized) ones.

The major change, though, is that the rule stands to turn a sizable swath of workers into unionized employeesone of the ways in which President Joe Biden hopes to make good on his promise to become “the most pro-union president in American history.”

One problem with the measure is that it’s unclear whether any one of its six criteria ” outweighs the other ,” making it impossible for businesses to gauge whether they are on the right side of the law. Though the Department of Labor claims the subjectivity of its standards such as a worker’s “skill and initiative,” the “investments by the worker and potential employer,” and the “nature and degree” of worker autonomyis meant to grant employers agency over worker designations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce alleges that these nebulous parameters are crafted with the opposite intention in mind.

To their point, the rule’s sextet of definitive criteria concludes with a vague caveat: “additional factors may be relevant.”

The new rule is constructed in such a way that “the only time [employers] can be confident is if they call a worker an employee,” Marc Freedman , the Chamber’s vice president of workplace policy, told the Associated Press. Larger companies like Lyft and Uber might have the resources to protect workers’ independent contractor status and hash it out in court if need be, but smaller competitors are stuck between a rock and a hard place: less able to afford the legal risks, but unable to shoulder the costs of treating independent workers as employees either. The rule threatens to run them out of the market.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (RLa.), who plans to introduce a resolution to repeal the rule, adds that the new regulations will bully employees as well. “Independent contractors…are shielded from forced or coerced unionization that would strip their flexibility away,” Cassidy has said , making the self-employed a critical target “for large labor unions who want more workers paying forced union dues.”

It makes sense that unions would be bullish on the Biden measure: In a 2022 McKinsey study, more than a third (36 percent) of the workers surveyed identified as independent contractors. That’s a whopping 33 percent increase from 2016, suggesting that the portion of the American workforce forgoing the traditional 9-to-5 format in favor of self-employment is rising. That’s a threat to these unions’ business model.

A rule that restricts workers’ independence is hardly a winning proposition among those it aims to protect. A Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) survey reveals that “fewer than 1 in 10 independent contractors would prefer a traditional work arrangement” to their current one, and that nearly 4 in 5 are happier to be self-employed than in a traditional corporate job. A Harvard Business Review study yields some insight as to why: 59 percent of the respondents cited workplace flexibility and autonomy as being more important than salary or other benefits.

It’s not just workplace flexibility that the self-employed find so appealing: Pay still mattersand when it does, independence still wins. While the union-friendly outlet More Perfect Union alleges that the forthcoming rule “will mean higher wages and overtime pay for millions of workers in gig jobs, healthcare, construction, and more,” the data tell a different story. According to the BLS, among full-time workers, independent contractors’ median weekly earnings are nearly identical to those of traditional workers. Part-time independent contractors’ median earnings are 30 percent higher than the median earnings of traditional part-time workers ($333 to $255).

Part of that might owe to the rigidity to which corporations must often adhere when setting employees’ hours. Whether they’re part-time or full-time, there are limits on just how much traditional employees can work in a given day or week, with few opportunities to put in an extra bit of hustle if they have a big car payment coming upor, conversely, to take a little time off to deal with a stressful life event. In a review of the public comments made to the Labor Department following the rule’s proposal, Quartz quoted a nurse who reported that “being able to work on the side as an independent contractor for [an] infusion company allows me to work extra without burning out.”

No wonder that when the California State Legislature passed its infamous Assembly Bill 5 (on which the new Independent Contractor Rule is modeled), self-employment declined by 10.5 percent and California’s work force shrank by 4.4 percent, on average, among affected occupations.

Meanwhile, the costs of both enforcing and conforming to the new rule could be staggering. Susan Houseman, a labor economist at the Upjohn Institute, notes that for the rule to be effective, it “must be coupled with enforcementyet dollars (in inflation adjusted terms) for enforcement of such employment regulations have dramatically declined over the decades.” With a sizable share of the population now identifying as independent contractors and with 40 percent of workers reporting that they had done some freelance work over the past year, cracking down on alleged worker misclassification could place a heavy burden on American taxpayers.

Consumers could also face higher prices as businesses struggle to foot the bill of transitioning their independent contractors to “employee” status. Reuters reports that businesses spend around 30 percent more for each employee than they do for every contractor.

So what’s the advantage of reclassifying independent workers as employees? The same as the disadvantage: It makes it harder for workers to be their own boss, to choose their own schedules, to represent themselves, to set their priorities as they see fit. If you believe in the evolution of the workplace and worker self-determination, this is bad. But if you believe in a one-size-fits-all work model where individuals are employed by traditional businesses and represented by traditional unions, this is great.

US

Who’s pictured in the newly released photos from Epstein files?

Published

2 hours ago

December 12, 2025

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Who's pictured in the newly released photos from Epstein files?

Donald Trump, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Bill Clinton are among high-profile figures pictured in a new selection of photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, released by Democrats in Congress.

This article contains images of a sexual nature that some people may find offensive.

Sky News has identified all of the people whose faces have not been redacted in the images. They have been contacted for comment.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on the part of those pictured and the context surrounding the 19 photos is not known.

Latest updates from Epstein files

In one image, the US president is seen with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Belgian model Ingrid Seynhaeve.

Two further photos show Mr Trump with women whose faces are redacted.

One image is black and white and shows him with six women; three on either side of him. The other is out of focus, and shows him sitting alongside an unidentified woman.

Speaking after Epstein took his own life in jail in 2019, Mr Trump admitted knowing Epstein, but added: “I had a falling out with him. I haven’t spoken to him in 15 years. I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you.”

In July, the White House also released a statement saying Epstein had been banned from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for acting like a “creep”.

In another photo released by Democrats, Bill Clinton is seen with Epstein and convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as singer Jimmy Buffett and Mr Buffett’s wife Jane Slagsvol.

In 2019, a spokesperson for the former US president said he had “not spoken to Epstein in well over a decade” and “knows nothing about the terrible crimes”.

Further images show Epstein with long-time Trump ally, Steve Bannon. In one he sits across from him at his desk, while in another the men are seen side-by-side taking a selfie in a mirror.

Hollywood filmmaker Woody Allen appears in four of the photos; two of them taken with Epstein.

In another, Allen is photographed with Bannon, while one more shows him sat with Bill Clinton’s former treasury secretary, Larry Summers, and his wife Elisa New, seemingly on a private plane.

Speaking to The Times in September, Allen said he had been to dinner at Epstein’s home, but suggested he was unaware of the nature of his crimes.

Allen said: “He told us he’d been in jail and that he had been – I can’t remember the word – but that he’d been falsely put in jail in some way.”

Meanwhile, Summers told the Harvard Crimson that his former association with Epstein was “a major error of judgement”.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then Prince Andrew, is seen just once, alongside tech billionaire Bill Gates. Epstein is not pictured. The original photo at a malaria summit also shows the then Prince Charles but he is cropped out of the version released by the Democrats. It is not clear why the picture has been included in the Epstein files.

Andrew relinquished his titles in October amid continued controversy over his friendship with Epstein, but said at the time: “I vigorously deny the accusations against me”.

Gates himself appears twice more, once alongside Epstein’s long-time pilot, Larry Visoski, and once in a framed photo which appears in an image above a black cabinet.

In 2021, the billionaire told the New York Times he had met Epstein to discuss philanthropy and Gates’s spokeswoman said he regretted ever meeting him.

A year later, Gates told the BBC: “I made a mistake ever meeting with Jeffrey Epstein.

“Any meeting I had with him could be viewed as almost condoning his evil behaviour. So, that was a mistake.”

Another photo shows British entrepreneur Richard Branson with Epstein and Dean Kamen, an American engineer, inventor, and businessman.

Epstein is seen with his lawyer, Alan Dershowitz, in one more image.

Dershowitz said he fell out with Epstein after making a plea deal for him in 2007, leading to his conviction.

He told the Harvard Crimson in November: “Jeffrey Epstein despised me after I had made the deal. Epstein and I did not get along personally after I represented him and helped get the deal.”

A number of images of a sexual nature also appear in the cache.

One shows a bowl of novelty condoms with a caricature of Trump’s face, each one bearing the phrase “I’m HUUUUGE!” A handwritten sign reads: “Trump condom $4.50.”

Various sex toys are also featured in pictures, including a glove with ribbed fingers, and a safety notice from a “jawbreaker” gag warning of the risk of injury or death.

The images were released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, which obtained them from the Epstein estate.

Democrats said the files included tens of thousands of photos and said more would be released in the coming days.

They were described as “images of the wealthy and powerful men who spent time with Jeffrey Epstein” and “photographs of women and Epstein properties”.

A spokesperson for the Republican-led House Oversight Committee accused the Democrats of “cherry-picking photos and making targeted redactions” to create a “false narrative” about Donald Trump.

“Democrats’ hoax against President Trump has been completely debunked,” they added.

UK

King reveals ‘good news’ in his battle with cancer and urges people to get checked

Published

2 hours ago

December 12, 2025

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King reveals 'good news' in his battle with cancer and urges people to get checked

The King has shared in a television address that, thanks to early diagnosis, his cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year.

In a televised address, Charles said his “good news” was “thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to doctors’ orders”.

“This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years,” he added.

“Testimony that I hope may give encouragement to the 50% of us who will be diagnosed with the illness at some point in our lives.”

The King announced in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was beginning treatment.

The monarch postponed all public-facing engagements, but continued with his duties as head of state behind palace walls, conducting audiences and Privy Council meetings.

He returned to public duties in April last year and visited University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London with the Queen and discussed his “shock” at being diagnosed when he spoke to a fellow cancer patient.

Sources suggested last December his treatment would continue in 2025 and was “moving in a positive direction”.

The King has chosen not to reveal what kind of cancer he has been treated for. Palace sources have partly put that down to the fact that he doesn’t want one type of cancer to appear more significant or attract more attention than others.

In a statement after the speech aired, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty has responded exceptionally well to treatment and his doctors advise that ongoing measures will now move into a precautionary phase.”

Sir Keir Starmer praised the video message as “a powerful message,” and said: “I know I speak for the entire country when I say how glad I am that his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year.

“Early cancer screening saves lives.”

Early detection can give ‘the precious gift of hope’

His message on Friday was broadcast at 8pm in support of Stand Up To Cancer, a joint campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.

In an appeal to people to get screened for the disease early, the King said: “I know from my own experience that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming.

“Yet I also know that early detection is the key that can transform treatment journeys, giving invaluable time to medical teams – and, to their patients, the precious gift of hope. These are gifts we can all help deliver.”

Charles noted that “at least nine million people in our country are not up to date with the cancer screenings available to them,” adding: “That is at least nine million opportunities for early diagnosis being missed.

“The statistics speak with stark clarity. To take just one example: When bowel cancer is caught at the earliest stage, around nine in ten people survive for at least five years.

“When diagnosed late, that falls to just one in ten. Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”

after months of uncertainty, some relief and reassurance for the King

This is a rare but positive update. The King in his own words speaking about his cancer.

And it’s good news.

Since his diagnosis, he’s received weekly treatment. His work schedule has had to fit around the appointments. And while it’s not stopping, it is being significantly reduced.

He’s responded well, and his recovery has reached, we understand, a very positive stage.

The King’s decision to speak publicly and so personally is unusual.

He has deliberately chosen the moment, supporting the high-profile Stand Up To Cancer campaign, and the launch of a national online screening checker.

It still hasn’t been revealed what kind of cancer he has. And there’s a reason – firstly, it’s private information.

But more importantly, the King knows the power of sharing his story. And with it, the potential to support the wider cancer community.

We are once again seeing a candid openness from the Royal Family. Earlier this year, the Princess of Wales discussed the ups and downs of her cancer journey.

These moments signal a shift towards greater transparency on matters the Royal Family once kept entirely private.

For millions facing cancer, the King’s update is empathy and encouragement from someone who understands.

And after months of uncertainty, for the King himself, some relief and reassurance.

Minor inconvenience of screening ‘a small price to pay’

The King acknowledged that people often avoid screening “because they imagine it may be frightening, embarrassing or uncomfortable”. But, he added: “If and when they do finally take up their invitation, they are glad they took part.

“A few moments of minor inconvenience are a small price to pay for the reassurance that comes for most people when they are either told either they don’t need further tests, or, for some, are given the chance to enable early detection, with the life-saving intervention that can follow.”

Giving his “most heartfelt thanks” to doctors, nurses, researchers and charity workers, the King added: “As I have observed before, the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion. But compassion must be paired with action.

“This December, as we gather to reflect on the year past, I pray that we can each pledge, as part of our resolutions for the year ahead, to play our part in helping to catch cancer early.

“Your life – or the life of someone you love – may depend upon it.”

Sports

Sources: Iowa St. QB Becht has shoulder surgery

Published

2 hours ago

December 12, 2025

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Sources: Iowa St. QB Becht has shoulder surgery

Dec 12, 2025, 12:57 PM ET

Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht underwent labrum surgery on his non-throwing shoulder Thursday, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Becht played the majority of the season with a partial labrum tear and using a harness on the shoulder. He was diagnosed with the injury after the Cyclones’ loss to Cincinnati on Oct. 4. He also dealt with an AC sprain in his throwing shoulder late in the season, which he is recovering from.

Sources said Becht is expected to make a full recovery in the upcoming months as he weighs decisions about his future. The quarterback is expected to consider a return to Iowa State or entering the transfer portal.

Longtime Cyclones coach Matt Campbell left the school earlier this month to become Penn State‘s coach. The Cyclones hired Washington State‘s Jimmy Rogers as his replacement.

Becht, a junior this season, threw for 2,584 yards with 16 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He has totaled 9,274 yards, 64 touchdowns and 27 interceptions in three-plus seasons at Iowa State.

Iowa State went 8-4 this season but opted not to play in a bowl game after Campbell’s departure.