Lax support for mandatory worker reclassification, poll finds

Most New Jerseyans oppose mandatory reclassification for part-time gig workers, according to a Farleigh Dickinson University poll released Monday.

A little more than half, 54%, of respondents told pollsters part-time independent contractors should have the ability to maintain gig worker status, while 24% said they should be reclassified by law.

A sizable portion, 16%, said they did not know.

Opposition to reclassification for fulltime workers was less stark.

Fewer than half, 45%, said those workers should have the opportunity to keep independent contractor status, while 35% said they should be reclassified, and 15% said they didn’t know.

“Overall, the public seems to like the idea of allowing greater workers autonomy over mandatory reclassification. However, sentiment becomes more divided once the tradeoffs of autonomy versus protections and benefits is considered for those whose entire livelihoods are made in this new economy,” said Krista Jenkins, Director of the FDU Poll.