News from April 2024
Uber's $1 Billion Investment in Prop 22 Benefits for California Drivers and Couriers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 29, 2024
Uber recently announced an investment of more than $1 billion in benefits for California drivers and couriers under Proposition 22 (Prop 22). The proposition, which was passed in 2020, provides significant protections and guarantees to workers in the state. According to Uber, since the passage of Prop 22, drivers and couriers in California have received over a billion dollars in minimum earnings guarantee and additional benefits, highlighting the ongoing impact of the law.Among the benefits provided under Prop 22 are a Minimum Earnings Guarantee, a Health Care Stipend,...
Introducing Solo’s Professional Profile: A Game-Changer for Gig Workers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 29, 2024
In a bid to aid gig workers in managing their multiple jobs and ensuring compliance, Solo has introduced a new feature called the Professional Profile. This feature serves as a digital vault for gig workers to securely store, access, and manage all their business-related documents in one central location. As stated by Solo, the goal is to make self-employment as streamlined and efficient as possible for independent workers.The creation of the Professional Profile was driven by the need to simplify document management for gig workers who often face challenges with...
NELP announces support for expanded overtime protections
By Flexible Work News | Apr 29, 2024
The National Employment Law Project (NELP) has commended the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for its final rule designed to strengthen and expand overtime protections for workers across the country. The DOL's prompt adjustment of the current threshold to account for inflation since its last update in 2019 was particularly praised by NELP.
Uber and ITF Launch Global Safety Charter for Couriers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 26, 2024
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Uber have joined forces to launch a Global Charter on Courier Health and Safety, aimed at enhancing the well-being of couriers worldwide. This initiative, which introduces 12 principles focused on addressing the unique safety concerns of couriers, particularly those utilizing bikes, scooters, and motorcycles on the Uber platform, is set to benefit millions of workers across more than 11,000 cities globally.Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of ITF, emphasized the importance of the safety charter, stating, “At the...
Uber for Business Introduces New Tool for Executive Assistants
By Flexible Work News | Apr 26, 2024
Uber for Business has unveiled a new tool aimed at enhancing the travel experience for executive assistants (EAs) and their executives. The introduction of delegate profiles on Uber for Business is designed to streamline the process of managing executive ground transportation, providing a more efficient and convenient solution for EAs. According to Catherine Boccellari, an EA working with Uber’s Senior Vice President of Mobility and Business Operations Andrew Macdonald, the implementation of delegate profiles has significantly improved her daily workflow. Boccellari...
Fiverr announces that spring 2024 business trends show a reliance on freelancers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 26, 2024
Fiverr, the online marketplace for freelance services, has released its Spring 2024 Business Trends Index. The report reveals a growing trend among businesses seeking freelancers to enhance organizational performance and productivity. According to Fiverr's 9th Business Trends Index, this pattern underscores an increasing reliance on freelance talent.
Airbnb announces expansion of Entrepreneurship Academy partnerships
By Flexible Work News | Apr 25, 2024
Airbnb has revealed plans for its Entrepreneurship Academy to collaborate with more than 30 organizations in 2024, aiming to broaden hosting opportunities for diverse and historically underrepresented communities. The initiative seeks to familiarize these communities with the Airbnb platform, thereby offering them economic prospects.
Enclave hosting free open house, office tour on May 8 at Barrington location
By Flexible Work News | Apr 24, 2024
Enclave Coworking will be hosting an open house and office tour at its Barrington location on May 8.
Uber and Waymo Launch Autonomous Deliveries in Phoenix
By R. B. Pepalis | Apr 24, 2024
Uber and Waymo have collaborated to introduce a new service in Phoenix that will revolutionize the way food is delivered to customers. The partnership, which initially focused on autonomous rides, has now expanded to include Uber Eats deliveries via Waymo vehicles in select areas of Phoenix.Customers in Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler will now have the opportunity to have their food orders delivered by autonomous vehicles from local merchants such as Princess Pita, Filiberto’s, and BoSa Donuts. The process is simple - when placing an order through the Uber Eats app in Phoenix,...
Lyft announces expansion of green mode
By Flexible Work News | Apr 23, 2024
Lyft has announced the expansion of its Green mode to more cities, airports, and riders, aiming to create additional earning opportunities for drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Upwork announces Upwork Partners program for businesses and freelancers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 23, 2024
Upwork has announced the initiation of Upwork Partners, a novel program that enables companies to form alliances with Upwork to highlight independent professionals and cater to their customers' requirements. This program grants freelancers access to industry-leading tools designed to improve productivity and work quality.
NELP announces potential misclassification of self-employed workers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 23, 2024
The National Employment Law Project (NELP) has disclosed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicating that approximately 16.75 million workers were self-employed in March, accounting for roughly 10% of the total workforce. Despite this significant figure, it appears that millions may be inaccurately classified as corporations label employees as independent contractors.
DoorDash announces expanding alcohol delivery prtovides Dashers with opportunities
By Flexible Work News | Apr 22, 2024
DoorDash has announced its plans to expand alcohol delivery in 2023, a move aimed at providing Dashers with increased income opportunities and positively impacting local communities. The company's services have now reached 32 states across the country, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The 2024 Uber Lost & Found Index Reveals Surprising Trends
By A. I. Benavidez | Apr 19, 2024
The 2024 Uber Lost & Found Index has been released, showcasing the most commonly forgotten items and the most forgetful cities among Uber riders. According to the index, a variety of unique and unexpected items have been left behind in Uber vehicles over the past year.Among the most commonly forgotten items are clothing, luggage, headphones, wallets, jewelry, phones, cameras, tablets or books, laptops, and vapes. However, riders have also managed to misplace items such as frontal hair toupees, live turtles, trays of meat pie, tubs of surgical implants, and even...
Set it and Forget it: How to Maximize Your Safety Features
By R.E. Bushouse | Apr 19, 2024
Uber has announced a new initiative to enhance safety features for its riders, especially focusing on the safety of women. The company revealed that 53% of women feel unsafe at night, even when walking alone within a mile from their home. In response to this concerning statistic, Uber is introducing safety preferences to empower riders to maximize the in-app safety features.The company expressed its commitment to creating a safer environment for all individuals, with a particular emphasis on women's safety. According to Uber, prioritizing safety for women ultimately...
Enclave opens new coworking space in Evanston
By Flexible Work News | Apr 18, 2024
Enclave, an urban co-working space organization, announced the opening of a new location in Evanston, Illinois.
Airbnb announces support for renter-friendly policies
By Flexible Work News | Apr 12, 2024
Airbnb has publicly declared its support for communities adopting short-term rental policies that favor renters. As part of this initiative, the company has pledged a donation of $100,000 to the Flagstone Initiative, an organization that aids renters in maintaining their homes.
NELP announces Supreme Court decision upholding workers' rights
By Flexible Work News | Apr 12, 2024
The National Employment Law Project (NELP) has publicized the U.S. Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Bissonnette v. LePage Bakeries, which affirms delivery workers' rights to seek unpaid wages in court rather than through private arbitration. NELP had submitted an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to scrutinize the corporate habit of enforcing forced arbitration clauses and protect workers' rights.
Fiverr announces tech talent report
By Flexible Work News | Apr 8, 2024
Fiverr has announced the publication of a report titled "Strategic Insights: Leveraging Freelance Talent in Tech". The report is aimed at assisting tech executives in understanding and addressing current sector challenges. It provides an in-depth analysis of executives' areas of concern, including the most stressful quarter (Q3).
DoorDash launches benefits pilot for PA dashers
By Flexible Work News | Apr 6, 2024
DoorDash, the tech company, has announced the launch of a six-month pilot portable benefits savings program for its delivery personnel, known as 'dashers', in Pennsylvania. The dashers enrolled in this program will be eligible for coverage of expenses such as retirement savings, health, dental and vision insurance, along with paid time off.