Employees and independent contractors are classified differently because they have different work arrangements and levels of autonomy. Employees typically have more rights and benefits, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and access to workers' compensation, while independent contractors have more freedom and flexibility in their work but fewer legal protections.
There may be different legislation for employees and independent contractors because they have different relationships with the companies they work for. Employees are typically granted more protections and benefits under labor laws, while independent contractors have more flexibility and independence in their work arrangements.
