US labor law divides workers into "employees," who are entitled to the coverage of certain laws like those relating to workers’ compensation, overtime pay, and the right to unionize, and "independent contractors" who are not covered by these laws. But a variety of jobs in what is sometimes called the "gig economy" don't fall neatly into either category. Someone who drives for Uber on an ongoing basis, and thus makes their availability known via Uber's computer system, follows pricing and service guidelines laid down by Uber, and participates in Uber's various rating systems, doesn't quite seem like an "independent contractor." But given that this worker is essentially free to set their own hours, and is not overseen by a supervisor, it doesn't quite seem like a standard employer-employee relationship, either