Gig work, a type of work that is done on a short-term or freelance basis, has exploded in popularity in recent years. The term gig work is commonly used to discuss work for businesses that facilitate peer-to-peer transactions. People usually think of ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, but the categories of gig work have expanded rapidly. Although people are quick to identify gig work, the newness of the concept has left many gaps in the legal definitions of what gig work is and how gig workers should be protected. This course seeks to clear up misconceptions about gig workers through an examination of various legal cases, examining grey areas of the law and also providing possible alternatives.
Employment Law: The Gig Economy
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Some related experience required
10 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
Welcome to this course on The Gig Economy! In this introductory module, we will introduce the concept of gig work and examine how it has evolved. Then, we will discuss why the gig economy is relevant to businesses today. Finally, we will explore how the gig economy poses a regulatory challenge to the US legal system.
What's included
6 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This module explores how employment status classifications pose a threat to the gig economy. Namely, we will discuss how Court rulings have evolved overtime, attempting to decide gig work employment classification with a series of legal tests. Then, we will explore the implications of Dynamex on the future of gig work regulation. Finally, we will explain why the Control Test is insufficient, proposing alternative solutions.
What's included
5 videos2 readings1 assignment
This module begins by exploring the regulatory framework covering workers with “EE” status. Even though such a status change is unlikely to happen, we will then discuss how giving gig workers “EE” status could change their collective bargaining power. We will detail a few union-like alternatives for gig workers. Finally, we will use Seattle as a case study to compare how gig worker’s protection has progressed in the US vs other countries.
What's included
4 videos4 readings1 assignment
In this final module, we will cover how gig work employment status classification eliminates certain protections available for other workers. Specifically, we will analyze how legal gaps have left space for gig worker discrimination. Finally, we will discuss how gig economy workers don’t have access to employment benefits offered to other workers such as unemployment insurance and retirement among other things.
What's included
10 videos2 readings1 assignment
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Business Strategy
University of Pennsylvania
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Politecnico di Milano
Interactive Brokers
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
New to Business Strategy? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.