Nearly two-thirds of the travel advisor industry is comprised of independent contractors (ICs), many of whom are women, military spouses, and working parents who value the flexibility and entrepreneurial opportunity that IC status provides. Travel advisors choose this model not because of limited employment options, but because it allows them to build successful small businesses on their own terms. 

Currently, federal and state laws defining ICs are inconsistent. A worker may be classified as an independent contractor by the IRS, yet treated as an employee by the Department of Labor. This patchwork of standards creates uncertainty, deters agency growth, stifles entrepreneurship, and exposes small businesses to costly litigation. 

The Modern Worker Empowerment Act (H.R. 1319/S. 2228), introduced by Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), would create a single, consistent federal definition of “independent contractor” under the Fair Labor Standards Act and National Labor Relations Act. This harmonization would protect the flexible business models that sustain the travel advisor community, empower entrepreneurs, and reduce legal risk.  

Recently, your fellow advisors advocated for H.R. 1319/S. 2228 during ASTA’s Legislative Day on Capitol Hill. You can help continue the conversation by contacting your congressional offices. Please use the letter to the right to ask your legislators to cosponsor this legislation. 

As always, personal letters are the most compelling. Take a moment to share your own story about why independent contractor flexibility matters to you and how maintaining that choice supports your business and your clients.