Time to Change the Way We Regulate the Gig Economy

Employment rules and regulations have failed to keep pace with innovation in the American workforce – especially with regard to the growing number of independent workers. There are approximately 40 million independent workers in the country today, but uncertainties surrounding their status make them vulnerable to exploitation, and hinder employers' efforts to hire them. An outdated regulatory system is to blame, says Gene Zaino, chief executive officer of MBO Partners. He joins us on this episode to propose a new way of treating the self-employed, in a manner that will clarify issues such as taxation and benefits, while addressing employer concerns about drawing on this pool of talent. Zaino is calling for a ''Certified Self-Employed'' (CSE) classification, which would essentially allow independent workers to become employees of their own companies. In the event, it would protect them against exploitation while unleashing the potential of the entrepreneurial spirit. No more ''one-size-fits-all'' approach to the manner in which government and business treat workers. Is it workable?