Protecting Independent Work
Technological innovation has made flexible, independent work available to more people than ever before. Policymakers should support independent work, respecting the opportunities that have drawn people from every walk of life to our members’ platforms.
Department of Labor February 2026 Worker Classification Rule
In February 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor proposed a classification framework for determining who is an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
We support this commonsense, pro-worker classification framework.
This rule will help preserve the flexible independent work model that underpins the app-based economy and the services that millions of Americans and businesses rely on daily.
Industry research consistently shows that supporting independent entrepreneurship increases economic opportunity through flexible, scalable work, increasing both worker choice and consumer access.
Read Flex’s statement on the Department of Labor’s February 2026 rule
More information on how this rule will support app-based workers and consumers.
Read our comments in opposition to the Biden-era rule from 2024.
Rep. Issa’s Resolution in Favor of Independent Workers
On January 31, Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) introduced a resolution recognizing the contributions of independent workers and contractors to the American economy and defending economic opportunity for the millions of Americans that make their living by working for themselves.
“I am a single father raising my daughter with cerebral palsy completely by myself. These jobs allow me the time for my child and to be financially secure and pay my bills.”
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