Morristown, NJ — Americans for Prosperity–New Jersey (AFP-NJ) and Jersey 1st have called on the Department of Labor to withdraw its proposed changes to New Jersey’s “ABC test” for independent contractor classification, warning that the rule threatens the livelihoods of as many as 1.7 million freelancers, gig workers, and independent professionals. The groups noted that the rulemaking process has largely unfolded out of the public eye, with the Department under no obligation to release the thousands of comments submitted in opposition.
“This is a sweeping change with real-world consequences, yet most New Jerseyans have had no opportunity to see how it would affect them or even to review the public’s feedback,” said Ross Connolly, AFP-NJ Northeast Regional State Director. “If enacted, these rules would strip away flexibility and autonomy for workers across the state. Similar restrictions in California caused self-employment to drop by more than 10%. New Jersey simply cannot afford to repeat that mistake. They would also undermine economic freedom and prosperity, reducing opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.”
Rosemary Becchi, Founder and President of Jersey 1st, added: “The Department’s proposal harms the very people it purports to protect. By restricting flexibility and independent work while operating in secrecy, it undermines the livelihoods of New Jersey families and workers who rely on these opportunities. New Jerseyans deserve better.”
In response to the Department’s proposal, Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, and Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn announced they will introduce legislation to declare the rules inconsistent with legislative intent unless the Department rescinds or meaningfully modifies them. If passed, the measure would give the Department 30 days to amend or withdraw the proposal, after which the Legislature could move to invalidate the rules entirely through another continuing resolution.
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