U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren is taking aim at the so-called "gig economy."
In a speech Thursday, the Massachusetts Democrat said Internet-based jobs like those created by Uber and other ride-hailing companies offer consumers greater choice and workers more flexibility.
But Warren warned there's a dark side.
She said workers who patch together an income in the "gig economy" are often denied benefits that many traditional employees enjoy - from paid vacation and health coverage to retirement plans, workers compensation and the ability to unionize.
To ensure gig workers can gain a solid financial foothold, Warren said the country should guarantee all workers pay into Social Security, are covered by catastrophic insurance and have some paid leave.
Warren made the comments in a speech to New America, a Washington-based think tank.
