Why millions of freelancers fear a Biden presidency may put them out of work

CNBC ^

[Red in Blue PA]

Some are wondering what Democratic candidate Vice President Joe Biden’s public support for AB-5, a union-backed California law, aimed at preventing the misclassification of rideshare drivers by giving them the status and protections of full-time employees, means for the future of their businesses. AB-5 had to be modified repeatedly after taking effect on Jan. 1, 2020, because it was putting so many other types of freelancers out of work. “They are really worried about it,” says Bothwell. That’s because Biden -- historically a supporter of unions -- wants a federal law similar to AB-5 that could place steep restrictions on who can be a freelancer.

With more Americans freelancing than ever before, the future of freelance work is a key concern for some workers as the presidential election approaches. A recent Upwork survey, Freelance Forward 2020, found that 59 million Americans did some form of freelancing in 2019, up 2 million from the year before.

Many freelancers across the nation have been keeping an eye on headlines about AB-5. The law that took effect on Jan. 1, 2020 is an attempt to address inequities in the gig economy including the independent contractor policies of ride-sharing companies such as Lyft and Uber. It assumes that every worker in the state is an employee unless employers can prove otherwise using the rigorous “ABC test” it is based on.

[Mr. Jeeves]

These people used to irritate the snot out of me with their constant whining about how *unfair* it was not to be given W2 employee status.

I never understood that. Same with joining a union: why would you want to guarantee yourself a maximum salary?

[StAnDeliver]

F these knuckleheads. Incorporate as an LLC and f Newsome. Not only can you bank write-downs and depreciation, but if Gruesome comes after you, you are far more likely to prevail as an LLC in the Federal appeal system all the way to SCOTUS than a sovereign individual.

Which is a little sad -- it means you used the government's own designation as a 'personal' company to thwart an indigination you never should have suffered on your 'own' as a sole proprietor -- but it is what it is! If you're willing to go out on your own, you need to know how the game is played and put the goddamn armor on.

[EBH]

The one putting people’s safety at risk is WAG, the dog walking company.

Best one I’ve worked with has been Callisto Media for writing my book.

Full Disclosure: I operate my own pet care company. When I walked for WAG I had to under my own name and lost all the protections of my own LLC. Example: I fell down the steps at a client’s home under my LLC...covered under Worker Compensation. If I fell while working for WAG, not covered. Dog bites ...which are frequently reported on the WAG platform are not covered. Don’t even get me started.

[jazminerose]

I am somewhat in a niche, academic editing and writing nonfiction books of my own. Editing manuscripts for nonnative English speakers turned out to be quite fun. There is something rewarding in taking a big pile of mess and turning it into a gem.

Thus, I am a bit protected. My college teaching experience is useful as well.

My goal is to maintain multiple income streams that are 100% portable.

[tbw2]

Personally, I’m a freelance writer. Mostly articles, but have written several books for clients.