News from July 2024
DoorDash announces new service fee in response to Seattle’s minimum pay ordinance
By Flexible Work News | Jul 31, 2024
DoorDash announced that, due to Seattle's unchanged app-based minimum pay ordinance, it is implementing a minimum service fee for orders from DashPass subscribers. Despite previously adding a regulatory response fee, the company continues to face financial losses in the market due to this ordinance.
Uber announces new driver benefits and protections in Massachusetts
By Flexible Work News | Jul 31, 2024
Uber has announced the settlement of a longstanding lawsuit in Massachusetts with Attorney General Andrea Campbell, introducing new protections and benefits for drivers, including the nation’s first portable health insurance fund. This agreement aims to balance driver flexibility with enhanced benefits while maintaining their independent work status.
Upwork announces study on AI's impact on productivity and burnout
By Flexible Work News | Jul 31, 2024
Upwork has announced a study from The Upwork Research Institute, highlighting that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing the workloads of full-time employees, reducing productivity, and causing burnout. The study also found that freelancers are leveraging AI more effectively, leading to higher productivity compared to full-time workers.
Amazon announces partnership with Rivian for 100,000 electric delivery vehicles
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 31, 2024
Amazon has announced a partnership with Rivian to deploy 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030 and is developing a new, advanced delivery vehicle. This initiative supports Amazon's 2019 Climate Pledge to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040.
Chamber of Progress announces California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 22
By R. B. Pepalis | Jul 31, 2024
The California Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 22, which allows gig workers to remain independent contractors while providing them with benefits such as minimum pay standards, health stipends, and accident insurance. This decision confirms the provisions of the 2020 ballot measure for gig work drivers.
DoorDash announces Prop 22 victory
By Flexible Work News | Jul 29, 2024
DoorDash announced that the California Supreme Court's ruling upholds Proposition 22, allowing Dashers to maintain flexible working hours and access the benefits and protections provided by the law. Proposition 22 has been upheld in elections, by the California Court of Appeal, and now by the Supreme Court of California.
Fiverr announces freelancer achievement recognition
By Flexible Work News | Jul 29, 2024
Fiverr has introduced its inaugural Breakthrough Achievement recognition to honor exceptional freelance accomplishments. This award will be given to freelancers from North America, Europe, and Asia who have generated over $5 million in revenue, highlighting their significant success.
Fiverr announces major platform expansion
By Flexible Work News | Jul 29, 2024
Fiverr announced the launch of its new summer product release, marking its shift from a services marketplace to a hiring platform. This update includes enhanced AI features with Fiverr Neo, a new professions catalog, and the introduction of a satisfaction guarantee and rewards program.
Airbnb announces safety initiative for hosts and guests with Americares
By Flexible Work News | Jul 27, 2024
Airbnb announced a partnership with Americares to provide hosts with resources for extreme weather preparedness. The program includes free carbon monoxide and smoke alarms for active hosts to enhance safety.
Airbnb announces $200k investment in housing reform and host accessibility
By Flexible Work News | Jul 27, 2024
Airbnb announced a $200,000 contribution to Up for Growth and YIMBY Action to bolster their grassroots housing reform efforts. This investment also supports initiatives to make hosting on Airbnb more accessible.
Airbnb announces over 1,000 accessible listings in Paris
By Flexible Work News | Jul 27, 2024
Airbnb announced that over 1,000 step-free accessible listings are available in the Paris region, with nearly 300 in the Adapted category. The company has partnered with APF France handicap, para-athletes, and Matterport to raise awareness and support hosts with accessibility features.
Enclave CEO: Coworking space 'empowers' suburban professionals 'to work close to, but not at, home'
By Flexible Work News | Jul 26, 2024
Robert Kellman, founder and CEO of Enclave Coworking, said suburban workers need a space that 'empowers them to work close to, but not at, home' to have a healthy work life balance.
Gig worker: California’s ‘Prop 22 helps gig workers get paid at a fair rate’
By C. D. McHugh | Jul 25, 2024
Troi Valentino, a food delivery gig worker based in California, told Flexible Work News in a July 23 statement that if the California Supreme Court strikes down Proposition (Prop) 22, gig workers may not be paid "fairly" for the hours that they work.
Gig worker: California striking down Prop 22 ‘would affect most food delivery drivers’
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 25, 2024
California-based gig worker Troi Valentino told Flexible Work News in a July 23 statement that if the state strikes down Proposition (Prop) 22, which classifies app-based gig workers as independent contractors and provides wage and labor protections, many food delivery workers would be impacted by the change in their earnings.
California gig worker on Prop 22: ‘overall it helps us’
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 23, 2024
Troi Valentino, a California-based gig worker, stated in a July 6 post on X that he supports keeping Proposition (Prop) 22 in place because he believes the law ultimately benefits app-based delivery and rideshare workers.
Fiverr announces report on freelance talent integration in finance sector
By Flexible Work News | Jul 18, 2024
Fiverr has announced a new report, "Strategic Insights: Leveraging Freelance Talent in Finance," which explores stress points within the financial sector. With a focus on the second quarter, the report highlights the integration of freelance talent among executives, emphasizing skills such as fintech innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) expertise in new hires.
Freelancer.com announces fastest-growing freelance skills for Q2 2024
By Flexible Work News | Jul 18, 2024
Freelancer.com announced its quarterly Fast 50 Index for Q2 2024, derived from data on 251,000 jobs posted to the platform. The data indicates a high demand for freelance skills in computer security, writing, and business.
DoorDash announced new oversight and safety initiatives in Boston
By Flexible Work News | Jul 18, 2024
DoorDash announced new initiatives to assist policymakers with oversight and enforcement, starting in Boston. These initiatives aim to enhance collaboration and efficiency in processing legal requests and improving safety.
GrubHub marks two decades of service with nationwide promotions
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 17, 2024
Grubhub Celebrates 20th Anniversary in Hometown Chicago and Across the Country
DoorDash announces alcohol delivery expansion in Maryland
By Flexible Work News | Jul 9, 2024
DoorDash announced that under a new law, Maryland counties can authorize consumers to order alcoholic beverages through their platform. This initiative aims to support Maryland merchants in expanding their business, provide earning opportunities for Dashers, and enhance consumer access to a wider range of products.