News from May 2024
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.
DoorDash announces entrepreneurial trends among Dashers
By Flexible Work News | May 21, 2024
DoorDash, the tech company linking consumers with local businesses, has recently shared findings indicating that a significant portion of their app-based workers, referred to as Dashers, are entrepreneurs themselves. The data reveals that approximately 6% of Dashers run another business alongside their DoorDash work. Moreover, 17% of self-employed Dashers utilize their earnings from DoorDash to fund new business ventures, while 20% plan to continue working as Dashers until their own business or idea achieves success.
Airbnb announces partnership with United Spinal for entrepreneurship academy for hosts with mobility needs
By Flexible Work News | May 21, 2024
Airbnb has revealed a partnership with United Spinal to establish the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, a program specifically designed to train individuals, including those with mobility needs, in hosting on the Airbnb platform. The initiative is intended to encourage entrepreneurship among diverse and historically underrepresented communities.
Uber introduces new features to enhance accessibility for all users
By R. B. Pepalis | May 20, 2024
Uber is striving to enhance mobility and independence for millions of people with disabilities worldwide, leveraging its technology to provide increased access to transportation, earning opportunities, and basic needs such as food and groceries. The company's aim is to create a platform that is accessible to users of all abilities and further promote inclusion within communities.
California Uber driver on Prop 22: 'I wouldn’t drive if I had to be an employee'
By K. R. Nelson | May 20, 2024
On May 17, Uber driver Sean Saulsbury conveyed to Flexible Work News his support for California's Proposition 22. He expressed his belief that it would be "immoral" to strike down the measure as such a change would "force" independent contractors to work as employees.
Maximizing earnings as a GoPuff driver: A comprehensive guide
By J. D. Suayan | May 17, 2024
Engaging in the gig economy as a driver for GoPuff presents an excellent opportunity. This comprehensive guide will assist you in getting started, setting expectations, and maximizing your earnings.
Maximizing earnings as a driver with the Roadie delivery app
By L. E. Bushouse | May 16, 2024
Roadie, a gig work app, connects individuals needing to send packages with drivers willing to deliver them. This unique platform enables anyone with a vehicle to earn extra income by capitalizing on their existing trips. Roadie drivers enjoy the flexibility of choosing the deliveries they want to undertake, allowing them to work according to their own schedules.
Understanding DoorDash driver's earning potential and payment process
By R. B. Pepalis | May 16, 2024
The gig economy continues to offer flexible earning opportunities, with DoorDash being a popular choice for many. If you're considering joining this sector as a DoorDash driver, understanding the payment process and potential earnings is crucial. This article delves into the financial aspects and operational details of being a DoorDash driver.
Guide to becoming an Instacart shopper: Earnings breakdown and tips
By K. R. Nelson | May 16, 2024
The gig economy continues to thrive, with companies like Instacart offering flexible ways for individuals to earn income. This article provides a comprehensive guide on becoming an Instacart shopper, the types of orders one might encounter, and how Instacart pays its drivers. It also offers tips on increasing weekly earnings.
Understanding and mitigating the effects of income volatility
By J. N. Schierl | May 16, 2024
Brett Helling, founder of Gigworker.com and a rideshare driver since 2012, has shed light on the issue of income volatility. This term refers to the distinct change in a worker's annual income from one year to the next. According to a report by Pew Charitable Trusts, more than a third of Americans face up to 25% fluctuations in their income annually.