Texas Lesson the Gig Economy. The coronavirus has put a renewed emphasis on safety net programs for all workers. This includes workers’ compensation. In Congress, Senator Warner (D-VA) has introduced various measures to explore a system that untethers benefits like healthcare and sick days from full-time employment. One bill funds a $20 million pilot program aimed at figuring out a way for Gig economy employers to contribute to a benefit fund that workers can take with them wherever they go.

 

The Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative has a program focused on changing the way we think about workplace benefits. The Institute claims the current system of workplace benefits is outdated and inadequate. It argues that while benefits—including health care, retirement, workers’ compensation, and paid time off—are critical to household financial security, new hiring practices, including subcontracted, temporary, and other non-traditional forms of work, have resulted in jobs that offer fewer or no benefits. The Institute calls for a comprehensive solution to address the insecurity facing workers in America.

 

ARAWC welcomes public policy discussions to find new ways to provide Gig economy workers with alternative injury benefit programs. After all, that is what QCARE is, an innovative private sector injury benefit alternative to traditional government run workers’ compensation.