Flexible Work News Reports News
Understanding the rise of the gig economy
By E. F. Cullerton | Jun 14, 2024
The gig economy, characterized by short-term, freelance tasks rather than permanent jobs, is increasingly gaining attention. As more workers enter this market, understanding its dynamics becomes essential.
Understanding 'gigs': From jazz slang to modern employment
By A. I. Benavidez | Jun 14, 2024
A gig refers to any temporary job or short-term project undertaken by independent contractors for a set fee. This term can encompass various tasks, from manual labor to education and IT consultancy. Gigs are also known as the platform economy, sharing economy, or collaborative economy.
Lyft spokesperson: ‘Prop. 22 protects the independence that drivers value’
By R. B. Pepalis | Jun 13, 2024
A Lyft spokesperson told Flexible Work News on June 11 that if California’s Proposition (Prop) 22 is struck down, rideshare drivers would lose flexibility and other benefits, while riders could face more expensive fares.
DoorDash announces insights and results from Dasher Community Council
By Flexible Work News | Jun 12, 2024
DoorDash announced updates on the insights and results from its Dasher Community Council (DCC) over the past year. The DCC consists of a diverse group of Dashers providing feedback to improve the platform.
Airbnb announces new EU regulations
By Flexible Work News | Jun 11, 2024
Airbnb announced that new European Union (EU) regulations include streamlined data-sharing guidelines for platforms and authorities, alongside simplified registration procedures for hosts. There is a two-year transition period preceding formal adoption.
DoorDash announces it will drop $4.99 regulatory response fee with passage of compromise bill in Seattle
By Flexible Work News | Jun 7, 2024
DoorDash announced that the Seattle City Council did not vote on the bill aimed at amending the Delivery Pay Ordinance to reduce costs. DoorDash stated it would remove the $4.99 Regulatory Response Fee if the bill is enacted.
Airbnb announces partnership with ChargePoint for EV chargers
By Flexible Work News | Jun 6, 2024
Airbnb announced a partnership with ChargePoint to support the increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) chargers by offering U.S. hosts discounts on chargers and installation services. This initiative aims to make it easier and more affordable for hosts to provide EV charging amenities.
Partners for Justice co-founder on partnership with Uber: ‘These free rides can be life-changing’
By J. N. Schierl | Jun 5, 2024
Former public defender Emily Galvin-Almanza, a co-founder of Partners for Justice (PFJ), stated that through a partnership with Uber, her organization is able to connect individuals who have been arrested with free rides to court dates and other required appointments. Galvin-Almanza said in a May 26 opinion piece that if California’s Proposition 22 is struck down, the reclassification of rideshare drivers as employees could negatively impact the program.
Fiverr announces Florida cities top in freelancer growth
By Flexible Work News | Jun 4, 2024
Fiverr announced its 7th Annual Freelance Economic Impact Report conducted with Illuminas. The report reveals that cities in Florida lead the United States in freelancer population and revenue growth.
Uber scholarship recipient graduates college 40 years after cutting education short: 'I did not want to let anyone down again, especially me'
By Donna Rolando | May 27, 2024
They say seeing is believing, so Uber driver Chad Rutan of Newport Beach, California, decided to put the ride-sharing giant to the test. He already knew that Uber was a “fun and relaxing” way to make extra money in a cash-hungry economy. But was the company’s offer of paid college tuition too good to be true?
Industry associations say striking down Prop 22 would disparately harm minority communities
By K. R. Nelson | May 26, 2024
The Chamber of Progress, NetChoice, Asian Industry B2B, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and sf.citi have filed an amicus brief on April 3 in support of California’s Proposition 22 (Prop 22). The proposition is currently under review by the California Supreme Court. Prop 22 is a voter-approved measure from 2020 that classifies app-based transportation and delivery drivers as independent contractors.
New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice policy manager: Proposed e-bike insurance bill will not ‘truly provide street safety’
By A. D. Bamburg | May 26, 2024
Erik Cruz Morales, a policy manager for the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ), stated on May 22 that a proposed bill requiring e-bikes and scooters to be insured and registered would not enhance safety conditions for delivery workers.
OPINION: From deliveries to desperation: How Seattle's PayUp Ordinance is pushing me back to the brink
By Camden Cao | May 25, 2024
Seattle's PayUp and Fare Share legislation, intended to improve compensation for gig workers, has led to significant price hikes for consumers, reducing demand and causing longer wait times and fewer trips for drivers.
Advocates of app-based driver jobs hopeful California's high court will uphold Prop. 22
By Michael Carroll | May 24, 2024
The California Supreme Court this week heard oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging Proposition 22, a 2020 ballot initiative that classifies app-based drivers for ride-share and food-delivery companies as independent contractors rather than employees.
Sustainable transportation nonprofit deputy director: New Jersey’s proposed e-bike insurance bill is ‘unwise, unsafe, and anti-immigrant’
By K. R. Nelson | May 23, 2024
Elizabeth Adams, deputy executive director for public affairs at the nonprofit Transportation Alternatives, expressed concern over a proposed bill in New Jersey. According to Adams, the legislation requiring e-bikes to be registered and insured like cars would discourage their use, hinder public safety efforts, and disproportionately affect communities that depend on e-bikes as an affordable and accessible mode of transportation. This statement was shared in a press release dated May 22.
New Jersey Assemblyman on e-bike insurance bill: ‘We should be expanding transportation options, not putting barriers in the way of them’
By D. L. Deener | May 22, 2024
New Jersey Assemblyman John Allen (D-32) has expressed his opposition to S2292, a bill that would necessitate the registration and insurance of low-speed e-bikes and e-scooters in a manner similar to cars. Allen made his stance known in a press release on May 22, coinciding with a rally attended by over 40 organizations rallying against the proposed legislation.
California-based gig worker: ‘prop 22 is what makes these DoorDash/Ubereats jobs worth it’
By L. E. Bushouse | May 22, 2024
Troi Valentino, a gig worker based in California, stated on May 13 that Proposition 22 (Prop 22) is what makes his gig work "worth it." He also shared a petition urging other delivery drivers to support the continuation of the measure.
Airbnb announces anti-party measures for holiday weekends
By Flexible Work News | May 22, 2024
Airbnb has announced the implementation of its anti-party system for the upcoming Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends. The company's initiative is designed to mitigate isolated issues and aid hosts in promoting positive experiences for guests and their neighborhoods.
DoorDash announces increased earnings for California Dashers due to Prop 22
By J. D. Suayan | May 22, 2024
DoorDash, the technology company connecting consumers with local businesses, recently announced that new data shows California Dashers have seen increased earnings, flexibility, and benefits due to a landmark law. In 2023, Dashers in California earned an average of $36 per hour while on deliveries, representing a 41% rise from pre-Proposition 22 earnings in 2020.
DoorDash announces impact of NYC policy on Dashers
By Flexible Work News | May 21, 2024
DoorDash has reported significant adverse effects following the enforcement of minimum pay regulations for app-based food delivery workers in December 2023. The data indicates considerable economic damage, including major revenue losses for small businesses and a reduction in job opportunities and earning potential for Dashers.