Expanding labor rights to so-called "gig workers" who provide on-demand services for apps like Lyft and Uber could be a flashpoint once again in Albany next year.

And now the ride-hailing company Uber has released a new poll this morning showing its drivers do not want to be reclassified from the independent contractor status they currently have.

It's the first public salvo in what's expected to be another debate over how to classify these workers after a broader deal this past spring was not reached on granting some workers bargaining rights, but status as full employees.

Supporters of the expanding employee status have said the move would benefit a large sector of the under-employed economy for people who do not receive what have become standard private-sector benefits for the last 70 years. Companies that provide on-demand services have long argued their workers want to maintain the flexibility of part-time work.

The poll released by Uber surveyed 428 people from Dec. 2 through Dec. 8 who drive with the company's ride hailing app in the state, with a margin of error of 4.7 percentage points. The firm also polled 500 likely Democratic primary voters from Dec. 2 through Dec. 5 with a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points.

The online poll, conducted by Global Strategy Group, found 59% of likely Democratic primary voters would back a candidate that supported the compromise of those workers remaining independent contractors, but be given some labor benefits, with 18% backing a candidate who opposes the proposal.

At the same time, the poll found 84% of on-demand drivers back a candidate would support a candidate backing the legislation, but 16% would back a candidate who opposes the measure.

The survey also found 78% of ride hailing drivers want to keep their independent contractor status; 19% back being reclassified as full-time workers.

When asked if "politicians should respect and honor the wishes of rideshare drivers,” 85% voters said yes, with 81% supporting their independent contractor status.