Contingent Workers: Incomes and Benefits Lag Behind Those of Rest of Workforce

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the status of contingent workers, focusing on the: (1) nature and size of the contingent workforce; (2) extent to which contingent workers have access to health insurance and pensions; (3) protections afforded these workers under laws regarding family and medical leave, retirement income, hourly wages, labor relations, civil rights, and health and safety; and (4) options available for providing contingent workers increased access to employee benefits and increased coverage under laws designed to protect workers.