Today, Center for Individual Freedom Senior Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs Timothy Lee offered remarks at the Federal Trade Commission’s Open Commission Meeting warning against any policy changes that might threaten the gig economy.  

An executive summary of Mr. Lee’s remarks are below.

Summary of Center for Individual Freedom Remarks to Federal Trade Commission Regarding “Policy Statement on Enforcement Related to Gig Work”

On behalf of 300,000 supporters and activists across America, the Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF) appreciates the opportunity to address the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  

The “gig economy” has introduced a universe of new opportunities for consumers, workers and businesses, and its role will only grow in future years.  Even prior to the Covid pandemic, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that 55 million Americans – nearly 36% of the workforce – sought gig work, and contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy.   

Accordingly, the FTC must avoid any damaging or disruptive policy changes that might threaten it.  

In an era of increasingly precarious employment and social disruption, the gig economy allows Americans to utilize a broad array of earning opportunities, while also allowing employers to flexibly meet a wide array of needs.  Ongoing advances in app-based telecommunications only make the gig economy easier and more popular on an almost daily basis.  

For individuals, the gig economy empowers them to achieve a more optimal work-life balance depending upon their personal and family needs.   For small businesses, it allows them to compete on a more even field and an increasingly globalized economy.  

Importantly, the gig economy also offers underserved and underprivileged communities access to supplemental income and employment opportunities with low barriers to entry.  

It is therefore imperative that the FTC pursue policies that advance, rather than potentially inhibit, the increasingly vital gig economy.  

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