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New Jersey Senate Committee Advances Bill to Provide Gig Workers With Greater Benefits


Late last week, a New Jersey Senate Committee advanced a piece of legislation that would provide gig workers in the state greater benefits, such as workers’ compensation insurance, paid time off, and health benefits.

Under the proposal, gig workers would be able to carry these benefits from job to job, making these “portable” benefits.  Under this “portable” benefit portion of the legislation, large scale companies that used gig workers would be required to pay fees to a nonprofit provider to supply the workers with benefits that could then be taken from job to job.

It is worth noting that this proposal had been introduced in 2017 and 2018, but fell short after drawing criticism from those who stated this legislation would result in companies no longer utilizing independent contractors (the gig workers) because of the costs/increased oversight.  Nevertheless, perhaps a third bite at the apple will finally get this legislation approved?  Stay tuned.


For additional information:  https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/2020/02/17/gig-economy-workers-could-get-benefits-under-proposed-nj-law/4788886002/

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