Uber and Lyft Are Poised to Crush Gig Workers Yet Again
In New York, gig work companies like Lyft and Uber are close to winning new legislation that will cement gig workers’ independent contractor status — with help from the state Democrats.
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Ending the “Independent Contractor” Misclassification Sham
Misclassifying workers as independent contractors hurts workers and enriches bosses, and is central to the business strategy of companies like Uber and Lyft. California state legislators passed AB 5 this week to stop this exploitative model. It’s a victory that must be defended from Uber and Lyft’s fightback.
Local Wins for Gig Drivers Could Translate to National Gains
As rideshare and delivery drivers rack up local legislative wins, the idea of gig work legislation on a federal level no longer seems farfetched.
“The PRO Act Could Give Us the Ability to Collectively Bargain”
Rideshare drivers across California rallied in support of the PRO Act, a major labor law reform bill that could transform working conditions for gig workers. We spoke with one of the organizers about how Proposition 22 misled drivers, why gig workers need collective-bargaining rights, and the difficulties of organizing these workers.
Gig Companies Are Taking Their War on Workers Beyond California
Just as it did in its campaign for California’s Prop 22, Big Tech is claiming rideshare drivers in Massachusetts will earn as much as $18 an hour if a new pro–gig company law is passed. But new analysis finds a majority will actually make less than $5 an hour.
Gig Companies Are Disguising Exploitation as Social Justice
From California to Massachusetts, companies like Uber and Lyft are promoting legislation that misclassifies gig workers. What’s worse, they’ve convinced some people that their pursuit of cheap labor is actually a crusade for equality.
The Uber Rival Putting a New Spin on Anti-Labor “Disruption”
In Washington, DC, rideshare service Empower is arguing that it shouldn’t be subject to the same labor and safety regulations as competitors like Uber. In doing so, it’s updating the antidemocratic “disruption” strategy that Uber pioneered.
I Read Airbnb Magazine So You Don’t Have To
At a moment when capitalism is facing increasing scrutiny, and its apologists are under greater pressure to defend it, Airbnb Magazine reminds us of something that bears repeating about the ideologists of capital today: not only are they as stupid as ever, they seem to be getting desperate.
No, It’s Not a Gig Economy
Precarity isn’t the main problem with the US labor market. It’s that wages are low, benefits are eroding, and work is often dull and sometimes dangerous.
Bargaining With the Algorithm
Though companies like Deliveroo or Foodora refuse even to recognize them as employees, food delivery riders have taken a lead in organizing workers in the gig economy.
The State of American Labor
Deindustrialization and the "gig economy" can't explain the weakness of the American working class.
Uber Australia Is Creating a Yellow Union to Head Off Reform
After expanding into Australia over a decade ago, Uber is now setting up employer-controlled committees that mimic real union structures. It’s part of a multipronged strategy aimed at heading off demands for better wages and safer conditions.
Walz’s Pick as VP Is an Opportunity for Unions
Democrats have a history of making and abandoning big promises for labor. But Kamala Harris’s pick of Tim Walz as vice presidential candidate at least suggests the possibility of substantial pro-union legislating.
Coupang, the South Korean Amazon, Is Chewing Up and Spitting Out Its Workers
Coupang is South Korea’s answer to Amazon. Just like the American retail behemoth, Coupang’s business model depends on abusing its workers.
Working With Delivery Platforms to Harass Migrants
In Britain, hotels hosting refugees have become a target of anti-immigration rallies. Keir Starmer’s government is pandering to the protests — announcing a partnership with delivery app firms to identify asylum seekers working as riders.
The WGA Strike Is a Fight Against Silicon Valley’s Gigification of the Entire Economy
If the ongoing film and TV writers strike is successful, the Writers Guild of America could establish a model for how service sector, app-based gig workers can take on Silicon Valley.
Food Delivery Workers’ Labor Conditions Are Abysmal
Earning less than minimum wage, suffering constant harassment and assault, even being ordered to continue delivering food after suffering a concussion on the job: food delivery drivers are toiling under incredibly brutal working conditions.
Uber’s Proposal for Portable Benefits Is a Poison Pill
Uber has finally found a jurisdiction in Canada that will allow it to create a new legal category for its workforce. To sweeten the deal, it's offering a meager portable benefits system — but the actual benefits will all accrue to Uber.
To Rebuild, the Labor Movement Will Have to Organize Young Workers and Gig Workers
For decades, unions in Australia have suffered declining membership. The solution is not a new app or social media campaign, but a laser-focus on organizing the unorganized.
We’re Not Self-Employed, We’re Workers
The gig economy is notorious for using bogus self-employment to skirt around labor laws and evade collective bargaining. But in Italy, strikes by couriers have forced major food delivery firms to recognize their employee status — a success that also shows how we can revitalize the wider labor movement.