News from August 2024
NELP announces opposition to judge's block of FTC noncompete ban
By Flexible Work News | Aug 31, 2024
The National Employment Law Project (NELP) announced its opposition to a Texas federal judge's decision to block the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) rule that would ban noncompete clauses. The rule restricts workers from joining competitor companies during or after employment.
Amazon announces plans to expand Rivian EDV
By A. A. Sanchez | Aug 29, 2024
Amazon has announced that it now operates over 13,500 Rivian Electric Delivery Vans across various U.S. cities and aims to expand this fleet. The expansion is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions annually.
Rideshare drivers appreciate their work and create positive experiences for passengers
By Nicholas Malfitano | Aug 27, 2024
Rideshare drivers aren’t just workers earning fares from Point A to Point B, they are often people who love their work and create positive experiences for passengers.
Airbnb announces new smart lock integrations
By Flexible Work News | Aug 27, 2024
Airbnb announced that smart lock integrations with August and Yale are now available alongside Schlage. Hosts in the US and Canada can now connect compatible Schlage, August, and Yale smart locks to their Airbnb accounts.
Airbnb announces rise in Labor Day searches for college football towns
By Flexible Work News | Aug 27, 2024
Airbnb announced that searches for properties in college football towns increased nearly 130% over Labor Day weekend. Guests are also favoring listings in categories such as amazing views and cabins.
Airbnb announces surge in local travel
By Flexible Work News | Aug 27, 2024
Airbnb announced that local travel is growing, with nights stayed by guests within 300 miles of home nearly doubling in the past five years. For end-of-summer holidays like Labor Day, over half of Airbnb stays in the US in 2023 were within driving distance.
DoorDash announces major update to deactivation process
By Flexible Work News | Aug 24, 2024
DoorDash announced an update to its account deactivation process, featuring new tools and enhancements designed to improve fairness for Dashers. This update represents the largest change to the process in the company's history.
Fiverr announces findings from (un)happiness survey on creative workforce
By Flexible Work News | Aug 23, 2024
Fiverr announced that Working Not Working Inc., a Fiverr company, released findings from its first-ever (un)Happiness Survey, revealing that over half of the creative workforce plans to leave their full-time jobs within the next year. Additionally, many are already working as freelancers alongside their full-time employment.
Fiverr announces Martha Stewart partnership to promote freelancers
By Flexible Work News | Aug 23, 2024
Fiverr announced a partnership with Martha Stewart, who will serve as a brand ambassador and star in its new advertising campaign and social media content. The collaboration aims to encourage businesses to explore new possibilities with freelancers.
Fiverr announces acquisition of AutoDS
By Flexible Work News | Aug 23, 2024
Fiverr has announced its acquisition of AutoDS, a company offering a subscription-based solution for dropshipping. AutoDS provides services such as product research, inventory management, and automated fulfillment.
Upwork announces partnership with Beeline to streamline workforce management
By Flexible Work News | Aug 23, 2024
Upwork has announced a partnership with Beeline to enhance hiring processes and centralize the management of contingent workforce programs for enterprises. This collaboration merges Beeline's workforce management capabilities with Upwork's network of skilled professionals, offering companies a unified solution for accessing independent talent.
DoorDash announces updates on Pennsylvania benefits pilot program
By Flexible Work News | Aug 23, 2024
DoorDash has announced updates on its portable benefits pilot program in Pennsylvania, with approximately 4,400 Dashers enrolled. The program assists Dashers in utilizing funds for health insurance, retirement, paid time off, and emergency savings.
Understanding how uber pet works for drivers
By J. D. Suayan | Aug 19, 2024
Uber Pet allows riders to bring their pets along for the ride. By accepting an Uber Pet request, drivers agree to allow the passenger's pet in their vehicle. Uber Pet rides function similarly to UberX rides, with the key difference being the presence of a pet. Drivers receive an additional fee for accommodating pets.
Rideshare drivers boost earnings with Play Octopus interactive tablets
By K. R. Nelson | Aug 16, 2024
Play Octopus offers a novel way for rideshare drivers to supplement their income by providing engaging content for passengers. This initiative collaborates with top-tier drivers, supplying them with free tablets that display games, prize opportunities, and driver details.
DoorDash announces one-year partnership with ECP to expand safe e-bike access
By Flexible Work News | Aug 14, 2024
DoorDash announced the one-year anniversary of its partnership with the Equitable Commute Project (ECP) to expand safe e-bike access for Dashers in New York City. The partnership has provided hundreds of delivery workers with high-quality e-bikes, safer batteries, and safety guidance, with plans to extend the collaboration to further enhance safety initiatives across the city.
DoorDash recaps safety awareness month and new safety features
By Flexible Work News | Aug 14, 2024
DoorDash has announced the launch of its first-ever Safety Awareness Month to highlight and promote its safety features for Dashers. Since 2022, the company has introduced various safety tools, including real-time alerts and SafeDash Reporting, aimed at enhancing Dasher safety.
Silicon Valley Leadership Group on Prop 22: ‘The Supreme Court got it right when they upheld the will of California voters’
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 12, 2024
A spokesperson for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) said in a July 30 statement that in upholding Proposition (Prop) 22, which classifies app-based workers as independent contractors rather than employees, the California Supreme Court has rightly supported "the will of California voters," who approved the measure in 2020.
Up to $32K in refunds available via Self-Employed Tax Credit
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 9, 2024
Many self-employed Americans faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic due to shutdowns, quarantines, illness, and lost income. Congress responded with the Self-Employed Tax Credit (SETC), which consists of Sick Leave and Family Leave Tax Credits, offering relief of up to $32,220 to eligible workers for the 2021 tax year.
Gig economy insights: changes in rideshare & food delivery trends across US states
By A. A. Sanchez | Aug 7, 2024
In today's dynamic job market, the rise of the gig economy has significantly altered the way people work and earn money. Whether it's driving for a ride-sharing service, delivering food to customers, or shopping for groceries on-demand, gig work offers flexibility and autonomy that traditional employment often lacks. However, understanding earnings trends within this evolving landscape is crucial for gig workers to maximize their income potential. The Solo Market Pulse aims to bridge the gap between drivers and the information they need to make informed decisions about gig work.
TransparencyUSA.org, said Records show Ken Nugent family directed $170k to Georgia Trial Lawyers' PAC fighting tort reform
By Flexible Work News | Aug 6, 2024
Prominent trial attorney Kenneth Nugent and family members employed by his firm have given $170,000 to support the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association’s Political Action Committee (PAC), Civil Justice PAC Inc, since 2020. This period coincides with an ongoing debate over tort reform in the state, according to state donation records on TransparencyUSA.org.