The Employers Association of New Jersey (EANJ) is urging businesses in the state to provide input on new worker classification rules proposed by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). These rules, which aim to formalize the interpretation and enforcement of the ABC test for determining worker classification, could impact how businesses engage independent contractors.
To gather feedback from employers, EANJ has launched a survey titled "Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Future of Independent Contracting in NJ." Additionally, a roundtable discussion will be held on Thursday, July 24, at the Morris County Library in Whippany. The session will collect employer insights to be submitted during the public comment period ending on August 6, 2025.
"We encourage employers and independent workers of all sizes to engage with this process," said Christine Myers, President of EANJ. "The implications of these proposed rules reach across industries and job types. Your perspective matters, and this is your chance to make it count."
The proposed rules would clarify how NJDOL interprets each prong of the ABC test used since 2015 to classify workers as either independent contractors or employees eligible for state-mandated benefits. This move could set a precedent for future audits and enforcement actions.
Concerns have been raised about whether these interpretations represent a shift that might reclassify current contractors as employees, affecting operations and compliance costs.
EANJ is a nonprofit trade association offering HR guidance and legal compliance updates to employers. It aims to improve employer-employee relations without providing legal services or opinions.
Contact: Britni Orcutt, Member Engagement Manager at EANJ. Phone: 973-758-6800 ext. 123 Email: britni@eanj.org
