This Fact Sheet discusses common issues experienced by independent contractors working in the gig economy. It is designed to help you identify your rights and to take the most appropriate action.
Gig work is work that is typically accessed through or organised by digital platforms. These digital platforms are websites or apps that match people that need work done with people who want to do that work. Typical examples include transportation, food delivery, personal, trade, professional or labour services, pet-sitting or babysitting apps.
While gig workers can be engaged as employees, it is more common for digital platforms to arrange this work in a way that classifies them as independent contractors. This allows the digital platform to avoid being liable for employee benefits such as minimum wages, tax, WorkCover insurance, and more.
As a result, many gig workers do not have access to certain protections under employment law and have reduced opportunities to resolve any legal issues they may encounter while doing the gig work.
Some issues to consider include:
More information about each of these issues is set out in the attached Fact Sheet, which we recommend you download.
Call our Telephone Information Service on Melbourne Metro (03) 9662 1933 or Regional Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania on 1800 331 617.
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