Independent contractor rights

Judge Dismisses Most of Blake Lively’s Harassment Claims Against Justin Baldoni

It seems a significant chunk of Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni has been dismissed by a judge, though not entirely. The core of the legal battle, at least as it’s being discussed, has shifted, leaving behind a much narrower focus.

The initial claims, particularly those related to sexual harassment, seem to have been thrown out. The reasoning appears to hinge on Blake Lively’s status as an independent contractor rather than a direct employee. This technicality, unfortunately, means that the protections afforded by certain laws against harassment might not apply in this specific context. It’s a rather disheartening aspect, as the idea that sexual harassment is somehow less of a concern if someone is a 1099 recipient rather than a W2 employee feels quite wrong.… Continue reading

Nevada Sex Workers Fight for Union Protection

Here’s a summarized version of the article, written as if it were part of the original text:

Sex workers at Sheri’s Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada, are seeking to become the first in the United States to unionize, petitioning the National Labor Relations Board under the name United Brothel Workers. This effort was reportedly spurred by a new independent contractor agreement that would grant the brothel broad control over workers’ likenesses and intellectual property. The workers argue that despite their independent contractor classification, they function as employees due to set schedules and a mandated hourly rate, seeking the rights and protections afforded to employees.

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