Trenton, NJ – Nearly 9,500 comments poured into New Jersey’s Department of Labor over a proposed rule to reclassify many independent contractors as employees, and more than 99 percent opposed the change. Gov. Phil Murphy acknowledged the lopsided response but said the process will continue and that there is “passion on all sides.”
Murphy downplayed the figure that opposes his plan to revamp New Jersey’s contract labor laws.
The proposal, unveiled earlier this year, would alter how the state determines whether workers qualify as employees or contractors, a shift that business leaders and freelancers warn could upend industries from media to construction. Advocacy group Fight for Freelancers found fewer than two dozen comments supported the measure, while the New Jersey Business & Industry Association confirmed the same data, calling the feedback nearly unanimous.
Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns, including Sen. Vin Gopal, who warned the redefinition could cause “serious disruption” for businesses and workers alike. Both major gubernatorial candidates also expressed skepticism about the rule’s reach.
Pressed during his weekly radio call-in show, Murphy said the administration is still reviewing the comments. “Comment periods exist for a reason, and that is to get a true sense of the passions on any particular issue,” he said. “This happens to be a labor matter. We do them on environmental matters regularly. This is a process that’s playing out. My guess is we’ll have news sooner than later.”
The governor declined to say whether the flood of opposition would alter the proposal but promised updates once the review is complete. Freelancers, meanwhile, insist the message could not be clearer.
Jack Ciattarelli, the Repubican candidate for governor has publicly opposed this measure.
“I do not support (the proposal). It would be dead on arrival under Governor Ciattarelli. My medical publishing company would never have survived if I wasn’t able to use independently contracted scientific writers to produce content for continuing medical education that it provided to physicians,” Ciattarelli said. “That’s just one space under the umbrella of independent contractors. … I do not support the movement.”
Democrat legislator Vin Gopal (D-Momouth) opposes Murphy’s plan, but Mikie Sherrill, the Democrat candidate for New Jersey governor was not as adamant against.
Sherrill said the proposal would stay on the table for further discussion if she’s elected.
“I’m going to review this when I get into office and have both businesses and workers at the table as we make sure regulations can help grow business and keep people employed,” she said.
Murphy is holding his ground even as the backlash grows louder.
