The big picture: The US Supreme Court unanimously ruled that "last-mile" gig workers engaged in interstate commerce are exempt from mandatory arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act. This allows them to pursue wage-and-hour claims in court.

Why it matters: This decision increases legal exposure for companies utilizing specific gig models, potentially leading to more litigation and challenging the widespread use of arbitration agreements for certain contingent workforces.

Between the lines:

• The Federal Arbitration Act's exemption applies to "transportation workers engaged in interstate commerce."

• The ruling specifically benefits "last-mile" drivers for programs like Amazon Flex.

• It's not a universal solution; many gig workers for platforms like Instacart or DoorDash may still be subject to arbitration.

Staffing & HR impact: Staffing firms and employers must review arbitration agreements for transportation-focused contingent workers to ensure compliance. Increased litigation risk for wage disputes could impact operational costs and gross margins.

The bottom line: Companies must refine worker classification and dispute resolution strategies as specific gig worker segments gain greater access to courts.