Gig economy

Gig platforms have long been ambivalent about encouraging tips that many workers depend on.

"What are we supposed to do when we've got to stay apart?" said musician and writer Dessa.

They interact with the public and handle food, but often have no safety net to fall back on.

The longest economic expansion brought confidence for some, insecurity for others.

As Uber prepares to prove its California drivers are independent contractors, it says it's giving them more independence.

One retiree earns a little extra with a shopping app.

Lila Johnson is still paying back the money she borrowed last shutdown.

Lyft says it’s a more equitable way to give out bonuses for rides, but some drivers say it’s eating into their profits.

Advocates say it will provide vital benefits to misclassified workers. But drivers, nail technicians and other gig workers don't want to endanger their ability to set their own hours.

Estimates of the size of the workforce depend on how freelance or "independent contractor" work is defined.