FTC, gig economy and the status of the independent contractor remain top issues
I know most of you feel the way I do about time: How can we already be entering the third decade of the 21st century? But here we are nonetheless.
The first month of a new year and a new decade is certainly opportunity to look both backward and forward and make assessments. What have we achieved? Where can we improve? What’s ahead on the horizon? What big dreams and goals will we put in place?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is certainly still ever-present in our business dealings, though I have to say I am keenly interested in Neora’s pushback against the agency’s continual fencing-in tactics.
I think most of us are in agreement that there are some elements of our channel that need to be reformed and brought in line with current sensibilities and practices; however, this apparent desire of the FTC’s to completely redefine the model is not really acceptable.
As the Neora lawsuit against the FTC unfolds and policies are shaped and further defined, we will all gain a greater understanding of the battles ahead for the channel.
The gig economy certainly is not going anywhere, and we need to focus on how to become a top offering to those people looking for supplemental income. We address a few foundational ideas in this month’s Special Report on page 18.
The status of the independent contractor, especially in the midst of the growing gig economy, also remains at the forefront of concerning issues. While states such as Massachusetts may be attempting to address issues such as worker benefits (see “Massachusetts Latest State to Infringe on IC Status” on page 10), the unintended consequences on worker choice can be damaging.
I cannot close this month’s publisher’s note without addressing the heartbreaking tragedy experienced by the Hansen family over the holidays.
Kirk and Jim Hansen truly represented the best of our channel—practicing intelligent and thoughtful business leadership combined with compassion for vulnerable children around the world served through their foundation. The Hansen family was also known for their generous—and often anonymous—help to people in their church and to the community of Idaho Falls.
Please keep the remaining Hansen family members in your prayers this year. The enormity of the family’s loss is truly unimaginable.