Michigan House lawmakers heard testimony over bills to redefine who counts as an independent contractor and prevent wage theft today.
Business organizations are opposing the 16-bill package, saying it would negatively affect employers and gig workers like Lyft or Uber drivers.
Amanda Fisher is the state director for the National Federation of Independent Business. She says the package would do too much.
“You’re not just talking about bad actors, you’re talking about completely changing the system, which it’s two totally different things.” said Fisher.
But Tom Lutz, of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, says the current classification system is being abused.
“There are legitimate independent contractors. But in construction, that’s codeword for exploited employee.” said Lutz.
The bills would also require wage transparency upon request.