Should gig workers such as Uber drivers be classified as employees?

In January 2021 the U.S. Labor Department ruled that gig workers, such as Uber and Doordash drivers, would not be covered by federal minimum-wage and overtime laws. The ruling means that gig workers could be responsible for paying their employer a portion of social security taxes and would not be eligible to receive health insurance or retirement benefits. U.S. states aren’t required to follow the federal rule and can pass their own laws regulating these workers. Proponents say “flexible work” is overwhelmingly preferred by those who choose to earn on gig-economy platforms…   such as Uber, Postmates and Doordash. The majority of flexible workers work less than 10 hours per week. Opponents say the ruling would make it easier for companies to misclassify employees and deprive of them of benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.