News from 2024
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.
Silicon Valley Leadership Group spokesperson: ‘pleased to see the California Supreme Court uphold Proposition 22’
By M. N. Tirado | Aug 5, 2024
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) told Flexible Work News in a July 30 statement that the organization supports the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Proposition (Prop) 22, citing surveys indicating gig workers' support for the measure.
California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 22
By A. I. Benavidez | Aug 1, 2024
Moments ago, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 22, affirming the will of nearly 10 million Californians who voted to deliver benefits and protections to drivers while preserving their independence. Whether drivers or couriers choose to work a few hours a week or more, their freedom to determine their schedules is now firmly established in California law, ending attempts to mandate an employment model they largely reject.
Amazon employees can take advantage of 8 benefits and perks
By A. I. Benavidez | Aug 1, 2024
Amazon employees can take advantage of exclusive benefits and access to earned cash before payday, the company revealed in a January 8 blog post.
Amazon Robotics VP: 'Injury rates across our network have declined' due to $550 million investment into 'safety-related projects'
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 1, 2024
Scott Dresser, Vice President of Amazon Robotics, stated that the e-commerce giant is investing $550 million into safety initiatives, including new robotics technologies, which has resulted in a declining injury rate for their workers. Dresser made the statement in a blog post for About Amazon.
Uber on CA Supreme Court decision: 'Prop 22 is making a real difference in people's lives'
By Donna Rolando | Aug 1, 2024
Ride-share and delivery companies are applauding the July 25 California Supreme Court decision backing Prop 22 as a win for not only gig drivers but democracy.
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.