Expansion of worker protections under new labor department rule

The labor department has announced a final rule that reclassifies millions of gig workers, janitors, home care workers, construction workers, and truckers as employees instead of independent contractors, granting them benefits and protections such as minimum wage, overtime pay, unemployment insurance, and social security benefits. Acting labor secretary Julie Sue states that this rule aims to create a level playing field for businesses, protect workers from unfair pay, and acknowledge the importance of independent contractors in the economy.