News from May 2024


New Jersey business owner on e-bike insurance proposal: ‘This flawed bill has nothing to do with safety or equity’

Brendon Poh, proprietor of the independent bicycle store Cycle Craft located in Parsippany, New Jersey, expressed his concerns about a proposed bill that would necessitate e-bikes to be registered and insured like automobiles. In an opinion piece dated March 22, he argued that the proposed legislation offers no benefits and has numerous drawbacks.


Upwork announces research on Gen Z freelancing trends

Upwork has unveiled new research from The Upwork Research Institute, spotlighting the persistent growth of freelancing among Gen Z professionals. The study shows that a substantial part of the U.S. workforce, consisting of 38%, or 64 million Americans, participated in freelance work in 2023. Notably, over half, specifically 52%, of all surveyed Gen Z professionals were actively freelancing.


NELP announces importance of unemployment insurance amid job growth slowdown

The National Employment Law Project (NELP) recently released an April jobs report, revealing a slowdown in job growth and an increase in the unemployment rate to 3.9%. The report emphasized the continued importance of unemployment insurance for children and families. According to NELP's research, parental unemployment can have detrimental effects on children's health, education, and future career prospects.


Enclave hosting free happy hours, office tours at Barrington location

Enclave Coworking will be hosting a happy hour and office tour at its Barrington location every Thursday from now until June 13.


Upwork announces spring 2024 innovations

Upwork, the global work marketplace, recently announced its latest advancements during the Upwork Updates: Spring 2024 event. The new features include Uma, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant, and additional resources for freelancers. These enhancements aim to revolutionize the hiring and working process for businesses and professionals worldwide.


NJ Bike & Walk Coalition director: E-bike insurance bill ‘will undermine our current efforts to reduce road crashes’

Debra Kagan, Executive Director of the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition (NJBWC), recently expressed concerns over a proposed bill requiring insurance for e-bikes. In a February 15 post to the NJBWC website, she said the legislation could discourage e-bike usage and “undermine our current efforts to reduce road crashes by pushing more people to continue driving cars.”


Uber’s head of driver communications: California’s rideshare insurance requirements ‘are many times that of any other car on the road’

In a May 7 statement Uber’s Global Head of Driver Communications Alix Anfang told Flexible Work News that California’s liability insurance requirements for ridesharing companies are significantly higher than those for personal vehicles.


New Jersey nonprofit: ‘tell your legislators to keep e-bikes affordable’ by voting against e-bike insurance bill

The Regional Plan Association (RPA), a nonprofit organization, has urged New Jersey residents to implore their legislators to vote against a proposed bill that necessitates the registration and insurance of e-bikes. In the April 19 post, the RPA warns that the implementation of this bill could result in additional costs for e-bike riders.


A Quick Guide to Delivery Gig Apps

Navigating the bustling world of gig platforms can be a bit of a maze, especially if you're looking to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and financial needs. Whether you're planning to drive full-time or just looking to make some extra cash on the side, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option. From established giants like Amazon Flex and Spark Driver to more localized services like Favor Delivery, our review will dive deep into the nuances of working with these popular delivery gig platforms, covering everything from how to sign up to the real perks and...


Nevada Uber driver on attorney contingency fees: ‘the current system works better for lawyers than for drivers’

Emilee Rodgers, a Nevada-based Uber driver, has expressed her dissatisfaction with the current legal system, stating that it "works better for lawyers" than it does for rideshare drivers who are injured on the job. According to Rodgers, attorneys often take "huge chunks" of settlement or damages awards. She made these comments in a press release dated March 18, concerning a Nevada ballot initiative that proposes to limit attorney contingency fees.