This week, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris began their terms as president and vice president. Both Biden and Harris have expressed views on a range of technology policy issues that are bound to be discussed in Congress as well as state legislatures over the next few years. In the coming days, we will analyze Biden’s […]
Tag Archives: Gig Work
Grubhub gig workers react angrily to change in tipping policy
California-based workers for food delivery app Grubhub have reacted angrily to changes to the platform which they say discourage tipping, saying they would wipe out the supposed benefits of new gig worker rules in the state. Last month, California passed Proposition 22, which though falling far short of the benefits received by full-time employees, gave […]
DoorDash Launches DasherDirect Banking for Drivers
DoorDash and Payfare have announced the launch of the DasherDirect platform, a banking platform for DoorDash delivery drivers that includes mobile banking and prepaid Visa cards for its Dashers. This marks DoorDash’s first-ever financial platform for Dashers, and the company says this provides its drivers with “new rewards and more flexibility and control over their […]
On-Demand Industry Launches Coalition
Companies that provide on-demand services through apps like Uber and DoorDash have formed a coalition ahead of a likely debate in Albany over regulations for the sector. The coalition, set to be announced on Monday, includes companies Lyft, Uber, Instacart, Postmates and DoorDash as well as advocacy organizations like the NAACP New York Conferene and […]
Labor department considers new independent contractor definition, could be used to federally challenge AB 5
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is revising its interpretation of independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which could open the door for federal challenges to Assembly Bill (AB) 5. “Once finalized, it will make it easier to identify employees covered by the Act, while respecting the decision other workers make […]
Food deliveries booming in pandemic while other parts of ‘gig economy’ not in demand
Just like other sectors of the workforce, the “gig economy” hasn’t been able to navigate the coronavirus pandemic unscathed — but some independent contractors are far more in demand than others. Unlike a traditional job that pays a salary and benefits, gig workers are paid by the job — or the “gig” — and leverage […]
Dumpling launches to make anyone become their own Instacart
Gig economy companies like to tout the flexibility and freedom they offer workers, but for the people finding work through companies like Instacart, Uber, DoorDash and Lyft, the economic and physical risks can outweigh the rewards. Contractors who are now considered front-line providers of essential services for their wealthier customers in the age of social distancing brought on […]
DoorDash Doesn’t Know Which Restaurants Are Open, and Drivers Pay the Price
During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic many people sheltered indoors are turning to food delivery apps to have meals or groceries brought to their doorstep. But some drivers working for popular app DoorDash are making as little as just over $3 an hour, according to multiple DoorDash drivers. One reason some drivers are making so little money during the coronavirus […]
Delivery demand amid coronavirus prompts workers to walk out, disrupting operations
As grocery outlets and retailers across the country ramp up employment to keep up with demand during the coronavirus outbreak, they’re facing growing backlash from workers who say their lives are being put at risk. Instacart workers staged a walkout Monday, citing a list of demands including hazard pay, an extra $5 per order, and […]
Local delivery drivers feel impact of coronavirus as long wait times hurt ratings
CARMEL, Ind. — Delivery drivers feel the impacts of the coronavirus through circumstances beyond their control. Because restaurants are shorter-staffed these days, that means longer wait times for orders. “It’s been over at least an hour at some restaurants, especially in the Westfield/Carmel area,” Alyssa Bowen said. Bowen and her husband deliver for DoorDash full […]