Gig workers get no sick pay, health insurance, or other benefits associated with employment. “Gig economy workers are faced with a really tough decision,” said Aquent CEO John Chuang. “Do they forgo income? Or do they go to work and potentially affect other people? That’s really unfair.” Aquent became the first staffing company to offer comprehensive benefits to its fleet of independent contractors — back in the 1990s.

This article originally appeared on Boston 25 News.