Tag

Gig Workers

All articles tagged with #gig workers

world4 months ago

California reaches deal enabling Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize

California Governor Gavin Newsom and lawmakers have reached a historic agreement with Uber and Lyft to allow their drivers to unionize and bargain collectively while remaining classified as independent contractors, marking a significant development in gig worker rights and labor law. The deal includes legislation that enables drivers to form unions through signature collection and collective bargaining, along with reduced insurance requirements for the companies. This compromise aims to balance worker rights, company interests, and consumer costs, though some critics question the strength of protections for drivers.

business1 year ago

"Opposition Mounts Against Biden Administration's Gig Worker Rule"

The Biden administration is facing backlash over a new Department of Labor rule that would re-classify millions of gig workers as employees, with trade groups, small business advocates, lawmakers, and independent workers themselves scrambling to stop the rule. Critics argue that the rule threatens the livelihoods of gig workers and could have major consequences for industries that heavily rely on independent contractors. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the administration, and Republicans in Congress have introduced a resolution to overturn the rule, warning that it jeopardizes the gig economy and the ability of millions of Americans to work as independent contractors.

business-labor-rights1 year ago

"Valentine's Day Strikes: Ride-Share Drivers Unite in Largest Protest Yet"

Lyft, Uber, and DoorDash drivers staged one of their largest strikes in 44 cities, protesting low wages, lack of transparency in pay calculations, and abrupt account deactivations. The strikes were organized by labor organizations advocating for app-based independent contractors. The companies have cited median and average pay figures above minimum wage, but reports suggest that companies are pocketing a greater share of customer fares. Gig workers lack the protections and rights that traditional employees have, and the strikes aim to pressure companies and lawmakers to improve safety protections and provide more stability. This is not the first time workers have mobilized for better treatment, and there are ongoing efforts to address these gaps in labor rights.

business2 years ago

"Delivery Apps Raise Fees in Response to Seattle's Minimum Pay Law"

Seattle's new App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance, which requires minimum payments to app-based workers, has led to higher delivery fees from services like DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber Eats. The ordinance guarantees workers a minimum payment based on time and distance traveled for each offer, resulting in increased costs for companies. In response, these delivery services are raising prices, curbing benefits, and warning of adverse effects on drivers, consumers, and merchants. Uber and Uber Eats anticipate a loss of orders for small businesses and diminished work opportunities for drivers, while Instacart is ending certain perks for its shoppers in Seattle.

labor-and-employment-law2 years ago

"Biden Administration's Impact on Gig Worker Classification and Federal Labor Rules"

The US Department of Labor has published a new rule that would make it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, potentially reclassifying many gig workers as employees. The rule, set to take effect in March, aims to protect workers from exploitation by ensuring proper classification and fair wages. However, it faces opposition from business interests and is expected to lead to legal challenges. If implemented, the rule could impact companies like Uber and DoorDash, as well as sectors beyond the gig economy, such as healthcare and construction.

business2 years ago

"Expanding Protections: US Implements New Gig Worker Classification Rules"

The Department of Labor has reinstated old rules for determining employee classification, making it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors. This decision has been welcomed by labor rights proponents but has faced opposition from business leaders, especially in the tech sector. The new/old federal rules will consider the financial dependence of the worker on the company and whether their work is integral to its business model. Despite this, companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash have stated that they won't change their operations based on the new standard, potentially leading to lawsuits from these big tech companies. This decision not only affects the gig economy but also other vulnerable workers who now stand a better chance of receiving fair pay and protections.

labor-and-employment2 years ago

"Biden Administration's New Rule Could Redefine Gig Worker Employment Status"

The Labor Department announced a new rule that could reclassify millions of gig workers, janitors, home-care workers, construction workers, and truckers as employees rather than independent contractors, expanding federal labor laws to provide benefits and protections such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and unemployment insurance. The rule, set to take effect on March 11, faces expected legal challenges from companies but is backed by labor advocates. The measure rescinds a Trump-era rule and revives an Obama-era test for determining worker status, aiming to protect vulnerable workers and ensure fair pay and benefits for a wider range of occupations.

taxation2 years ago

IRS Delays Reporting Rules for Side Hustles, Ticket Resales, and Payment Apps

The IRS has announced a delay in implementing new requirements for third-party payment platforms to issue 1099-K forms for tax year 2023. The new rules, which were intended to encourage compliance for gig workers and others, would have required platforms like Ticketmaster and StubHub to issue 1099-K forms to individuals and the IRS. Additionally, the IRS has revealed a new $5,000 threshold for 2024 to phase in the law, allowing for more time to address administrative challenges and educate taxpayers. The $600 threshold for reporting goods and services sold will be delayed until future years.

business2 years ago

"Victory for Food Delivery Workers: Judge Approves Pay Raise in New York"

A New York State Supreme Court judge has ruled in favor of a new pay standard for app-based food delivery workers, affirming that gig workers should be paid around $18 per hour to start, increasing to $20 per hour by 2025. Uber, DoorDash, and Grubhub had challenged the pay standard, arguing that it would lead to higher prices for consumers and negatively impact local restaurants. However, the judge rejected these arguments and allowed the wage increase to proceed. The ruling is seen as a victory for labor advocates and a step towards better compensation and working conditions for delivery workers.

business2 years ago

"Victory for Food Delivery Workers: Judge Approves Pay Raise in New York"

A New York State Supreme Court judge has ruled in favor of a new pay standard for app-based food delivery workers, affirming that gig workers should be paid around $18 per hour initially, increasing to $20 per hour by 2025. Uber, DoorDash, and Grubhub had challenged the pay standard, arguing that it would lead to increased prices for consumers and negatively impact local restaurants. However, the judge rejected these arguments and allowed the wage increase to proceed. The ruling is seen as a victory for labor advocates and a step towards better compensation and working conditions for gig workers in the food delivery industry.

business2 years ago

Food delivery services take legal action against NYC's minimum wage law

Food delivery companies including Uber, DoorDash, GrubHub, and Relay Delivery have filed separate lawsuits against New York City to halt the implementation of a new law requiring a $17.96-an-hour minimum wage for delivery workers. The law, the first of its kind in the U.S., aims to lift thousands of residents out of poverty. Supporters argue that delivery workers currently earn an average of $11 an hour after expenses, well below the city's $15 minimum wage. However, the delivery companies claim the data on worker pay was flawed and argue that the law will impose burdensome regulations and force them to charge customers more. City officials are standing by the law, asserting that delivery workers deserve fair pay for their labor.

business2 years ago

NYC Enforces Minimum Wage Increase for App-Based Food Delivery Workers

New York City has mandated a minimum wage of $19.96 per hour for app-based delivery workers, with plans to fully implement the new standard by April 1, 2025. The mandate, which took effect Monday, will start at $17.96 per hour, increase to the standard by the 2025 deadline and adjust annually for inflation. The move is a significant shift in how popular platforms like Uber, Grubhub and DoorDash pay gig workers, who have been considered independent contractors, excluded from labor protections and exempt from minimum wage requirements.

labor-rights2 years ago

NYC Food Delivery Gig Workers to Receive Minimum Wage Boost

New York City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection announced a new minimum wage of $17.96 per hour, effective on July 12th, for food delivery workers, which will grow to $19.96 on April 1st, 2025. The new pay rate bumps workers up from their current $7.09 per hour minimum wage, and when it reaches its full rate, it amounts to a near-tripled base pay for more than 60,000 food delivery workers in the city, with annual inflation-adjusted raises. This new regulation is a significant victory for gig workers who have been organizing for years to increase their pay and improve working conditions.

technology2 years ago

Valuation Volatility: Fidelity's Impact on Twitter and Reddit

Fidelity has slashed the estimated worth of its equity stake in Reddit by 41% since its investment, raising uncertainties about whether Reddit will maintain its initial intent to go public at a valuation around $15bn; Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other app-based ride-hail and delivery companies will have to reimburse California gig workers potentially millions of dollars for unpaid vehicle expenses between 2022 and 2023; AI researchers have built a Minecraft bot that can explore and expand its capabilities in the game’s open world; Shopify has launched a new rewards program called Shop Cash; and Stripe has announced a new charge card program to make it easier for businesses to access credit.

business2 years ago

Minnesota Governor Vetoes Rideshare Bill Amid Uber Warning and Local Concerns.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz vetoed a bill that would have required a pay raise for ride-booking drivers after Uber threatened to stop its services in most of the state over the legislation. The bill would have established a minimum wage for gig workers, including drivers for Uber and Lyft. Walz issued an executive order to commission a study on the topic and form a working group to propose recommendations for rideshare legislation during the next session.