Michael Wolfe, executive director of Drive Forward, a Seattle-based gig worker advocacy group, stated in an April 12 blog post that rideshare drivers and delivery workers in Seattle are making less money as a result of the city’s PayUp bill, which was intended to boost earnings.

"Delivery drivers and bike messengers who work in the City of Seattle are suffering from the consequences of broken legislation which instead of boosting pay has caused earnings to collapse," said Wolfe. "We need to make sure this broken law is reformed. Drive Forward has been working with the Seattle City Council and Council President Nelson to reform the broken law in a way that will preserve your hard fought wins on certain rights and protections while setting a minimum pay standard that guarantees no-one makes less than the $19.97 per hour minimum wage for time worked plus an expense payment of $0.35 per mile."

According to PubliCola, the Seattle City Council implemented the PayUp bill last year with the intention of increasing earnings for app-based gig workers. However, the subsequently higher costs of those services led to a drop in consumer demand, causing a decrease in gig workers’ income.

Wolfe said the reforms Drive Forward has been working on with the Seattle City Council would enable gig workers to retain certain abilities. With the reforms, workers could still accept or reject any delivery or ride offer, receive detailed receipts and pay statements, and be provided with the time, distance, and payment for every offer. Wolfe said Seattle residents should contact the City Council and voice support for the reforms. Doing so could help Seattle gig workers regain the earnings they have lost as a result of the PayUp law. "Leadership is not just admitting you made a mistake but also taking action to fix it," Wolfe said. "Seattle City Council is willing to show leadership and reform this law."

Wolfe was a member of Drive Forward’s advisory committee prior to becoming executive director, according to the organization’s website. He has been a part-time rideshare driver since 2015.