Drive Forward Seattle announced on March 9 that its analysis of app-based worker experiences found the Pay Up Ordinance, which took effect in January 2024, led to fewer offers, lower tips, increased driver competition, and significant reductions in earnings for on-demand delivery workers in Seattle.
The organization said these findings are based on direct feedback from member drivers following implementation of the city’s App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance. The post details consistent themes reported by gig workers operating on platforms such as DoorDash, UberEats, and Instacart after the January 2024 effective date. It includes driver accounts of extended wait times between offers and the need for policy adjustments to restore market balance.
Seattle drivers reported earnings dropping from as much as 300 dollars per weekend day to 80 dollars on a good day, according to accounts gathered by Drive Forward Seattle. Full-time workers described earnings cut in half, with some taking over two hours to secure a single order. Platforms introduced a 4.99 dollar Seattle Regulatory Fee on every on-demand delivery while altering tipping prompts so customers must return to the app after delivery. These changes added direct costs for Seattle households and restaurants, according to DoorDash.
DoorDash data showed monthly average sales per store in Seattle grew only about 5 percent from January 2023 to January 2025 after the delivery pay law took effect, according to platform reports. Comparable growth reached over 20 percent in Denver, 40 percent in Portland, and 30 percent in San Francisco during the same period. Seattle maintained the highest delivery fees in the country while order volumes lagged other major markets without similar mandates. National comparisons illustrate the localized pressure from the wage standard on food service activity.
Drive Forward Seattle is an advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the future of independent gig work and supporting app-based drivers in the Seattle area. The group gathers member input on regulatory issues, conducts surveys, and engages directly with city officials, platforms, and labor stakeholders to advocate for workable policies. It organizes events and shares driver experiences to inform discussions on economic impacts of local labor rules, according to the official website.
