After retiring from a long career in construction, John Pereira wanted to enjoy the benefits of retirement without too much financial stress. He took to driving passengers using the rideshare app Lyft, a job he says gives him the flexibility of a retired lifestyle while helping to pay the bills. “I am my own boss,” he said. “When I feel like going, I go.” Uber and Lyft, the two largest rideshare companies in the U.S., currently classify their drivers as independent contractors, rather than as employees. This distinction allows workers to create their own hours but doesn’t guarantee them minimum wage, overtime, earned sick time and other benefits.