Oklahoma laws need to keep pace with gig economy

The American way of working is changing fast. A job used to be pretty simple: You worked for an employer, and you got a regular paycheck plus benefits like health insurance, retirement funds (or even a pension!) and other protections. Today, millions of Americans have gone outside that path, either because they wanted something different or were forced to adapt. They work in what's become known as the "gig economy," driving for Uber or Lyft, delivering meals and groceries or finding short-term work through websites and apps. The work isn't all bad. It can provide flexibility traditional jobs often cannot. Almost 80% of people performing app-based gig work told the Federal Reserve it allows them to work flexible hours. More: Working people in Oklahoma need a champion. Who will it be? | Opinion But there are reasons to be worried about what those workers are losing. Especially because some people might not know where they stand. Many gig workers are classified as independent contractors. The difference matters because contractors aren't covered by many workers' protection laws, including those regarding minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance and workers' compensation. They typically don't have employer-sponsored health insurance or unions bargaining for better wages, benefits or working conditions. Sometimes, workers learn about this the hard way. They work regularly for one company and follow corporate rules. But when they get injured on the job, they discover they don't have workers' compensation or other protections. The important lesson here: Workers need to know how they're classified. And if there's any doubt, don't be afraid to ask. There's another wrinkle here: Just because a company calls someone an independent contractor doesn't necessarily settle the question. Regulators, lawmakers and courts across the country continue wrestling with where the line should be drawn. They don't want companies to treat people like employees, then turn around and claim they aren't, so they avoid responsibilities people fought hard to secure. More: Will AI kill the first job? Oklahoma has a plan | Opinion This matters to millions of people. The Federal Reserve found that 9% of American adults performed short-term gig work in 2024, and 41% said they would have trouble making ends meet without that income. Our laws haven't kept pace with the economy. Oklahoma lawmakers should examine how our laws treat these workers, and what reasonable protections make sense as work continues to change. Workers should do the same. If you earn money through an app or other work that might not be full employment, take the time to ensure you understand if you're legally considered an employee or independent contractor. Don't wait until you're injured or suddenly out of work to find out. Joseph C. 'Joe' Biscone II is the managing partner of Johnson & Biscone and one of Oklahoma's leading workers' compensation attorneys. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma laws need to keep pace with gig economy | Opinion