WASHINGTON D.C. — As the public comment period closes on the U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed independent contractor rule, Independent Women announced today it has driven more than 250 public comments from women in support of flexible work and freelance opportunities. 

In a formal letter to the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity and Independent Women’s Law Center applaud the proposed rule, citing that it provides greater legal certainty and protects the flexibility millions of freelancers—especially women and caregivers—depend on. 

The letter argues the 2024 Biden-era rule tightening classification standards created unnecessary confusion, increased compliance burdens, and threatened valuable work opportunities for more than 74 million independent workers.

READ INDEPENDENT WOMEN’S OFFICIAL COMMENT HERE.

“The Trump administration has reaffirmed its commitment to freelancer freedom with this proposed rule. The way Americans work today has changed to embrace greater flexibility and autonomy, from side hustles made possible by technology to seasoned professionals working for themselves. Independent contracting is critical for women, who need the ability to work on their own terms to raise families, care for aging parents, or manage health issues,” said Patrice Onwuka, vice president for economic policy at Independent Women. 


“The government should not force anyone into a traditional 9-to-5 job,” Onwuka added. “Yet, the Biden-era rule on worker classification sought to stifle flexible, independent contractor arrangements. The opaque and confusing standard heightened uncertainty for businesses and freelancers nationwide. We applaud the Trump administration for correcting this wrong to ensure that freelancers, self-employed entrepreneurs, and gig workers get to decide which work arrangements work best for them.”

Jennifer Oliver O’Connell, a visiting fellow at Independent Women and an independent contractor, said, “The Trump independent contractor rule is a welcome change for every independent professional, self-employed, entrepreneur and solopreneur who has rallied against the restrictive and draconian 2024 Biden administration Independent Contractor rule, which sought to presuppose an employer-employee relationship rather than recognize our autonomy and self-sufficiency. It is clear: the Trump Independent Contractor rule shows we are being seen and taken seriously as professionals, trailblazers, and as an essential part of America’s economic engines. The Trump rule also gives recognition to 21st-century working relationships, and gives us the space to innovate and grow, while affording the flexibility, freedom, and control needed in the changing landscape of the workforce.”

PORTABLE BENEFITS MODEL GAINS STATE MOMENTUM

As states grapple with how to address the needs of America’s evolving modern workforce, there is growing bipartisan recognition that independent workers should have access to worker benefits without having to sacrifice their status and autonomy.

In response to this demand, Independent Women unveiled the Voluntary Portable Benefits Act—a forward-looking legislative model that protects worker freedom while expanding access to vital financial and healthcare benefits and protections.

This model has been enacted in five states and counting—including West Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming. Legislation has been introduced in North Carolina, Arizona, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

See more from Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity on supporting freedom and flexibility for independent contractors:

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