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Deepa Das Acevedo

Gig work, a type of work that is done on a short-term or freelance basis, has exploded in popularity in recent years. The term gig work is commonly used to discuss work for businesses that facilitate peer-to-peer transactions. People usually think of ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, but the categories of gig work have expanded rapidly. Although people are quick to identify gig work, the newness of the concept has left many gaps in the legal definitions of what gig work is and how gig workers should be protected. This course seeks to clear up misconceptions about gig workers through an examination of various legal cases, examining grey areas of the law and also providing possible alternatives.

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Gig work, a type of work that is done on a short-term or freelance basis, has exploded in popularity in recent years. The term gig work is commonly used to discuss work for businesses that facilitate peer-to-peer transactions. People usually think of ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, but the categories of gig work have expanded rapidly. Although people are quick to identify gig work, the newness of the concept has left many gaps in the legal definitions of what gig work is and how gig workers should be protected. This course seeks to clear up misconceptions about gig workers through an examination of various legal cases, examining grey areas of the law and also providing possible alternatives.

We begin by examining how the gig economy is defined in terms of the relationships between employer, employee, and consumer, and we then examine how the gig economy is defined legally. We also explore how gig work classification has evolved over time through various court rulings. We will then determine the areas where court precedents have still fallen short in the coverage of worker protections offered to other employee statuses but not to gig workers. Finally, we will propose alternative solutions to gig worker classification that would increase worker benefits among other protections.

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Syllabus

Introduction to Gig Work
Welcome to this course on The Gig Economy! In this introductory module, we will introduce the concept of gig work and examine how it has evolved. Then, we will discuss why the gig economy is relevant to businesses today. Finally, we will explore how the gig economy poses a regulatory challenge to the US legal system.
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Employment Status Classifications
This module explores how employment status classifications pose a threat to the gig economy. Namely, we will discuss how Court rulings have evolved overtime, attempting to decide gig work employment classification with a series of legal tests. Then, we will explore the implications of Dynamex on the future of gig work regulation. Finally, we will explain why the Control Test is insufficient, proposing alternative solutions.
Classification as an Employee
This module begins by exploring the regulatory framework covering workers with “EE” status. Even though such a status change is unlikely to happen, we will then discuss how giving gig workers “EE” status could change their collective bargaining power. We will detail a few union-like alternatives for gig workers. Finally, we will use Seattle as a case study to compare how gig worker’s protection has progressed in the US vs other countries.
Limited Protections for Gig Workers
In this final module, we will cover how gig work employment status classification eliminates certain protections available for other workers. Specifically, we will analyze how legal gaps have left space for gig worker discrimination. Finally, we will discuss how gig economy workers don’t have access to employment benefits offered to other workers such as unemployment insurance and retirement among other things.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the benefits and challenges of gig work, enhancing understanding of the topic
Analyzes court precedents, enabling learners to understand the complexities of gig worker classification
Proposes alternative solutions to gig worker classification, encouraging critical thinking and innovative approaches
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape of gig work, boosting knowledge and expertise
Utilizes real-world case studies to illustrate legal concepts, enhancing practical understanding
Suitable for learners seeking to navigate the regulatory complexities of the gig economy

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Employment Law: The Gig Economy with these activities:
Find a Mentor to Guide You Through the Course
Mentors can support your learning. Find one early to get the most out of this course.
Show steps
  • Identify someone who has experience in the gig economy.
  • Ask them if they would be willing to mentor you.
  • Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your progress.
Explore the Gig Economy and Its Future
This course is an introductory tour of the gig economy. Explore the gig economy in more depth to prepare.
Show steps
  • Read an article or watch a video about the gig economy.
  • Identify the different types of gig work and the companies that offer them.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of gig work with a friend or family member.
Study employment law
Reviewing the legal nuances around employment will improve your understanding of gig work and the complexities involved.
Browse courses on Employment Law
Show steps
  • Review case studies of employment law cases
  • Read articles and books on employment law
  • Practice applying employment law principles to gig work scenarios
Six other activities
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Show all nine activities
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Drills
Practice identifying hazards and assessing risks associated with gig work to understand the legal implications.
Browse courses on Legal Implications
Show steps
  • Identify potential hazards in gig work scenarios.
  • Analyze the risks associated with each hazard.
  • Develop strategies to mitigate or eliminate risks.
Practice Legal Research and Analysis on Gig Work
This course covers legal research and analysis on gig work. Practice these skills to get ahead.
Show steps
  • Find a legal case or article about gig work.
  • Read the case or article and identify the legal issues involved.
  • Analyze the case or article and come to a conclusion about the legal issues involved.
  • Write a brief summary of your findings.
Meet with a Study Group to Practice Legal Terminology
Legal terminology is important to understand in this course. Meet with other learners to practice.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or form one with your classmates.
  • Meet with your study group regularly to discuss legal terminology.
  • Use flashcards or other study aids to help you memorize legal terms.
Compile a List of Resources on the Gig Economy
Resources can support your understanding. Build a collection of relevant materials.
Show steps
  • Search for articles, books, and websites on the gig economy.
  • Create a list of the resources you find.
  • Organize the resources into categories.
  • Share your list of resources with others.
Start a Research Project on a Gig Economy Topic
Conducting research will be important in this course. Start a project early to maximize learning.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your research project.
  • Develop a research question.
  • Conduct research using a variety of sources.
  • Write a research paper or give a presentation on your findings.
Create a Video or Podcast to Explain a Concept from the Course
Creating content can reinforce your learning. Choose a topic from the course and create content.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic from the course.
  • Develop a script or outline for your video or podcast.
  • Record your video or podcast.
  • Edit your video or podcast.
  • Share your video or podcast with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Employment Law: The Gig Economy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Lawyer
In the gig economy, there are legal gaps that leave space for gig worker discrimination. Taking this course on Employment Law: The Gig Economy may help you understand the legal landscape and help you build a strong foundation toward becoming a lawyer who specializes in this emerging field.
Employment Law Attorney
As an employment law attorney, having a strong understanding of the legal issues surrounding the gig economy is vital. Taking this course may prove useful in gaining insights into the challenges gig workers face and how to help them enforce their rights.
Human Resources Manager
In human resources management, it is important to understand how the law impacts the workplace. Taking this course can help build a foundation for you to develop effective HR policies that address the needs of the gig economy.
Policy Analyst
Employment status classifications pose a threat to the gig economy. As a policy analyst, taking this course on The Gig Economy may prove useful in understanding the regulatory challenges the gig economy poses for the legal system.
Economist
The gig economy has a significant impact on the economy. As an economist, taking this course may give you a deeper understanding of the regulatory challenges and potential solutions surrounding the gig economy.
Labor Relations Specialist
In labor relations, an understanding of gig worker employment status is becoming increasingly important. As a labor relations specialist, taking this course may help you better assist gig workers.
Journalist
As a journalist, having a solid understanding of the gig economy and its impact on the workforce is crucial. This course may be useful for you in gaining a comprehensive understanding of legal implications, worker classification, and regulatory challenges.
Union Organizer
Unions can play a vital role in protecting gig workers. This course can help you better understand the challenges that gig workers face and how unions can help address them.
Social Worker
Social workers often work with individuals who are employed in the gig economy. By taking this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges that gig workers face and how you can better support them.
Professor
With the rise of the gig economy, it is important for professors to stay up-to-date on the latest legal developments. Taking this course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues surrounding the gig economy, which you can share with students.
Community Organizer
Community organizers often work with gig workers who are facing challenges in the workplace. Taking this course could help you gain a deeper understanding of the legal issues surrounding the gig economy, which you can use to advocate for gig workers' rights.
Activist
Activists often work to improve the lives of gig workers. Taking this course could provide you with a deeper understanding of the legal issues surrounding the gig economy, which you can use to develop more effective campaigns and strategies.
Legislator
The gig economy poses regulatory challenges for the legal system. Understanding these challenges and potential solutions is important for legislators who want to ensure that the gig economy is fair and equitable.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit organizations often provide services to gig workers. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the legal and regulatory challenges surrounding the gig economy, which you can use to develop more effective programs and services.
Researcher
Researchers who study the gig economy can use this course to gain a deeper understanding of the legal issues surrounding it. This course can also help researchers develop new research questions and methodologies for studying the gig economy.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Employment Law: The Gig Economy.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of employment law, including the legal principles governing gig work. It valuable resource for students and practitioners seeking to understand the legal framework surrounding gig work.
Explores the history and impact of the gig economy, and discusses the challenges that gig workers face.
Explores the implications of technological change for the future of work, including the rise of the gig economy. It provides insights into the skills and education needed to thrive in the changing workforce.
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding the gig economy and its impact on workers. Standing argues that the gig economy is creating a new class of workers who are vulnerable to exploitation and poverty.
Delves into the personal stories of gig workers, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities they face. It valuable supplement to the course, offering a human perspective on the gig economy.
Examines the on-demand economy, a subset of the gig economy, and its implications for the future of work. It provides insights into the economic and social changes brought about by the gig economy.
Explores the platform economy, which includes the gig economy, and its impact on businesses and consumers. It provides a comprehensive overview of the underlying technologies and business models that drive the gig economy.
Explores the potential impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the future of work, including the rise of the gig economy. It provides insights into the broader technological context of gig work.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the gig economy from a policy perspective. It discusses the challenges and opportunities posed by the gig economy and provides recommendations for policymakers on how to regulate the gig economy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research on the gig economy in the United States.

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