As air travel soars, airline contract jobs struggle to be filled

Jul 14, 2021
How much of your flying experience is actually run by a company other than the airline you’re flying?
Airline outsourcing in the United States took off during 1970s deregulation.
Michael Ciaglo via Getty Images

For government contractors, shutdown debt can linger

Nov 18, 2019
Lila Johnson is still paying back the money she borrowed last shutdown.
Lila Johnson, a 72-year-old custodian at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said she would retire if she could afford it.
Jay Mallin/Service Employees International Union

Google contractors in Pittsburgh to vote on unionizing

Sep 23, 2019
The tech industry relies on an army of temps and contractors who don't get the cushy benefits of full-time employees.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Lyft drivers question the bonus payment system for high-demand areas

Sep 13, 2019
Lyft says it’s a more equitable way to give out bonuses for rides, but some drivers say it’s eating into their profits.
Lyft driver Lauren Swiger speaks at a protest outside Uber’s headquarters in San Francisco, demanding higher pay, benefits and a driver union.
Sonja Hutson/Marketplace

How big is the gig economy?

Sep 11, 2019
Estimates of the size of the workforce depend on how freelance or "independent contractor" work is defined.
A California bill is redefining what it means to be a gig economy worker. Above, an Uber Eats rider delivering food.
Jack Taylor/Getty Images

When government shuts down, contractors are left without a paycheck

Jan 19, 2018
It's not just federal workers who will feel the impact.
Birds fly in front of the dome of the U.S. Capitol as the deadline for the government shutdown loomed in Washington, D.C., on Friday.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images