The gig economy and labor rights

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, a report studying freelancers published by consulting firm Mackenzie said that the gig economy has done away with workers’ rights achieved through decades of activism and legislation. Mackenzie concluded that freelancers face labor conditions similar to those of workers before the Industrial Revolution.

The advantage for employers is clear, as working with freelancers offers companies managerial flexibility. They pay for the services of a person as if that person were an entire company, without any obligation to provide social benefits or fulfill labor laws. It turns the employer–employee relationship into a customer–supplier one, which can be very unequal.

A report by the Upwork and Freelancers Union forecasts that by 2027, some 50% of all U.S. workers will be freelancers. Mackenzie estimates that the current proportion is around 20-30%, which includes people who supplement their income through freelance work.

A growing number of countries have started addressing the issue of how labor laws apply to freelancers. For instance, nineteen European Union countries offer them unemployment pay.

Discussion: 
Please summarize this article in a single sentence. Do Homework
Is freelancing common in your country? If so, can you give a couple of examples of industries that rely on the work of freelancers? Do Homework
Do you think that companies should provide better security to freelancers? Why or why not? What about the government? Do Homework
What are some factors behind freelancing becoming so prevalent? Do Homework