#WorkforceWednesday: New AB5 Exemptions, EEOC COVID-19 Updates, Joint-Employer Rule Partially Struck Down - Employment Law This Week®
Episode 13: NYC's New Freelancer Protection Law And The Future Of The On-Demand Economy
OVERVIEW - In a recent landmark decision, the UK Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA") imposed a fine on sports broadcasting companies for fixing wages paid to freelancers. It is the first time that the CMA has issued...more
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Industry (the Department) announced on April 28, 2025, that it was filing a notice of a proposed regulation addressing the test for independent contractor (IC) status under New Jersey...more
The European Union took a big step last year towards regulating digital labor platforms – and member states will need to adopt the new directive before the end of 2026. The directive seeks to curb worker misclassification,...more
Welcome to our blog series about new California employment laws affecting a wide range of businesses and employers. California already presents one of the most difficult legal landscapes for employers, and with several new...more
Every new year brings changes to the employment laws applicable to New York State and New York City employers. In this article, we review the key employment laws that went into effect in 2024 and highlight some of the new and...more
In the spirit of the season, we are using our annual "12 Days of California Labor and Employment" blog series to address new California laws and their impact on employers. On the fifth day of the holidays, my labor and...more
The first-ever law protecting freelancers and independent contractors in Japan came into effect on November 1, requiring businesses that do work in the country to review their workplace practices and adjust as necessary. The...more
Join us for a lively discussion of critical year-end updates for California employers. We will address new legislation and key case rulings. Topics include: - Key bills relating to freelance workers, “captive audience”...more
Following other states and cities across the nation, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 988, the Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA), into law on September 28, 2024. This new law aims to provide greater...more
On September 30, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 988 into law. The new state law, known as the Freelance Worker Protection Act (“FWPA”), goes into effect on January 1, 2025. The FWPA provides various protections to...more
On August 28, 2024, New York State’s Freelance Isn’t Free Law (“FIFL”) took effect, extending protections to freelance workers statewide. This sweeping law is codified in a new Article 44-A to New York State’s General...more
California just enacted a new law further expanding protections for freelance workers. Beginning in 2025, private employers who hire certain independent contractors will be required to provide a written agreement specifying...more
Originally effective in New York City from May 15, 2017, the New York Freelance Isn’t Free Act will now expand its protections to freelance workers across the entire state, effective August 28, 2024. This updated legislation...more
After a failed attempt to ban non-compete agreements statewide last year, New York City legislators are now poised to take matters into their own hands. Just weeks ago, the New York City Council unveiled a trio of proposed...more
Q: Is New York City considering a total ban on noncompete agreements? A: Yes — a total ban on noncompete agreements would be the result of one of the three noncompete bills currently pending in the New York City Council,...more
Members of the New York City Council are looking to accomplish what the New York State Legislature could not – proposing various bans on the use of non-competes in New York City. On February 28, 2024, members of the New York...more
On November 21, 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S5026 into law, enacting the “Freelance Isn’t Free Act” (“the Act”). The Act provides that freelance workers or solo independent contractors (referred to...more
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed into law the “Freelance Isn’t Free” Act (the Act), which aims to provide freelance workers certain protections across the state. New York employers who use freelancers or independent...more
There is a general trend in the country to narrow the scope of who can be an independent contractor and to provide such individuals more “rights” concerning their employment, or engagement. More States are passing laws...more
Illinois has enacted broad protections for freelance workers. The Freelance Worker Protection Act (FWPA) requires entities contracting with freelance workers to provide written contracts and timely compensation and authorizes...more
Freelance workers in Los Angeles now have more protections than ever before thanks to a new ordinance passed by the City Council. The Freelance Worker Protections Ordinance, made part of the L.A. Municipal Code effective July...more
On July 1, 2023, the City of Los Angeles Freelance Worker Protections Ordinance went into effect. The ordinance sets forth certain requirements for hiring entities retaining freelance workers operating within the City of Los...more
A new city ordinance in Los Angeles will take effect on July 1, 2023, which requires a written contract for many independent contractors and freelance workers who work in the city. This ordinance, known as the Freelance...more
New York’s Legislature concluded its legislative session with a flurry of activity, including the passage of four notable employment-related bills. In sum, these four bills (i) ban the use of non-compete agreements, (ii)...more
The New York State Assembly and Senate have overwhelmingly passed the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (A.6040). The legislation heads to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office for her to sign or veto. The State Senate passed S.5026 by a...more