Comparison of workplace legal protections for employees and independent contractors in the United States
| Labor standard | Employee | Independent contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage | √ | X |
| Overtime pay | √ | X |
| Unemployment insurance | √ | X |
| Workers’ compensation | √ | X |
| Paid sick days | √ | X |
| Paid family leave | √ | X |
| Health and safety protections | √ | X |
| Right to a union | √ | X |
| Discrimination and sexual harassment protections | √ | X |
Note: Employees receive these protections in places where they are statutorily prescribed.
Source: EPI analysis of federal and state laws.