ABSTRACT. Following recent research (e.g. Harris, 2018; Lobel, 2017; Steinberger, 2018 etc.) on the possible suitability of current laws and regulations to gig work, I have identified and provided empirical evidence that they may not apply to independent contractors and cannot be adequately enforced in the digital economy. Using data from Bloomberg BNA, CIPD, McKinsey Institute, ONS, U.S. Census Bureau etc., I performed analyses and made estimates regarding reasons for partnering with a peer-to-peer ridesharing, taxi cab, food delivery, and transportation network company, number of U.S. employer and nonemployer business establishments, including percentage distribution, share of U.S. adults earning income in a given month via online platforms, and cumulative growth in overall employment, number of employees, and number of self-employed (UK).

Keywords: gig economy; online platform; labor regulation; safety net

How to cite: Popescu Ljungholm, Doina (2018). “Employee–Employer Relationships in the Gig Economy: Harmonizing and Consolidating Labor Regulations and Safety Nets,” Contemporary Readings in Law and Social Justice 10(1): 144–150.

Received 10 January 2018 • Received in revised form 18 June 2018
Accepted 22 June 2018 • Available online 29 June 2018

doi:10.22381/CRLSJ10120188