
The U.S. Department of Labor has once again reshaped the landscape of worker classification—an area that carries significant legal, financial, and operational consequences for employers across industries. On February 26, 2026, the DOL released a new proposed rule that would rescind the Biden Administration’s 2024 final rule and restore an analysis similar to the 2021 “economic reality” framework, marking a major regulatory shift for companies that rely on independent contractors. Whether your organization engages contractors in construction, technology, healthcare, transportation, consulting, or any emerging gig‑economy model, this webinar will provide actionable insights into how the proposed rule may affect your compliance obligations and workforce strategy. Join Scott Cruz, Labor and Employment Partner at UB Greensfelder, as he discusses what the DOL’s proposed 2026 rule actually changes, how to evaluate your current independent‑contractor relationships under the revised “economic reality” test and other applicable federal and state tests, and discusses key risks, benefits, and open questions for employers.
