Gig workers in New York City recently gained a suite of
workplace protections normally reserved for employees. The City
Council amended its antidiscrimination laws in September to cover
independent contractors, meaning that gig workers will soon have
the right to pursue legal remedies against hiring entities that
typically don’t have to be concerned about claims from this
segment of their workforce.
Beginning January 11, 2020, the New York City Human Rights Law
(NYCHRL) will apply not just to employees but also to freelancers and independent
contractors. The law is very broad, providing protections
against discrimination because of race, color, creed, age, national
origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender, gender identity,
sexual orientation, disability, marital status, and partnership
status. It also prohibits sexual harassment as part of the
protections based on gender. Further, it provides protection based
on unemployment status, arrest or conviction record,
