American politician/entrepreneur Andrew Yang says he has been in contact with the U.S. Department of Labor regarding his objections to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) classifying its wrestlers as "independent contractors.""Had a call with the Department of Labor," Yang wrote on Twitter. "If you are a current or former [WWE] performer who feels you were misclassified as an independent contractor, contact [labor lawyer Lucas Middlebrook] and let's get you what [WWE Chairman/CEO Vince McMahon] owes you. Been a long time coming but this storyline is real."
Yang followed up his tweet with another paying homage to ex-WWE wrestler Bo Dallas (real name Taylor Michael Rotunda), writing, "All you have to do is bo-lieve." What's more, Yang assures that "[e]arly returns are positive."
WWE has long classified its wrestlers as independent contractors rather than employees. This has caused the company to receive a fair amount of criticism over the years, as it means the performers signed to the company do not receive the same benefits they would if they were classified as full-time employees.
For example, WWE does not provide its wrestlers with health insurance. And while the company does cover their airfare, WWE wrestlers are expected to pay for their own ground travel, hotels and food. Moreover, the wrestlers are not afforded the same freedoms that independent contractors typically receive. It should also be noted that since they are classified as independent contractors, WWE wrestlers are unable to unionize.
Former presidential candidate Yang entered the conversation last year when WWE reportedly issued an edict banning its wrestlers from using third-party platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Cameo and OnlyFans under the penalty of fines, suspension or even termination. The company later clarified its new policy, granting exceptions to wrestlers who used YouTube and Twitch under their real names, rather than their WWE names. However, the company then moved to take control of said YouTube and Twitch accounts, offering the wrestlers running them only a percentage of the generated revenue.
Yang gave this thoughts on the matter in October 2020. "This would be infuriating to me if I had spent time building up my social media channels only to have WWE take them over from their 'independent contractors.' People are angry and rightfully so," he said. "Hearing from talent that WWE is forcing performers to sign new contracts that include Twitch. Streaming on Twitch will become a work obligation and if talent doesn't stream they will forego earnings, be suspended or face penalties. Doesn't sound like independent contractors."
Source: Twitter