California ballot measure keeps "gig" in gig economy

Nov 4, 2020
Prop 22 bypasses a state law that would have reshaped the gig economy.
A ride share driver participates in a protest against Proposition 22 in August in Los Angeles, California.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Gig companies throw lots of cash -- and tech -- at California ballot measure

Oct 26, 2020
The ballot initiative in California would allow companies like Uber and Lyft to keep classifying workers as contractors.
A ride-share driver holds up a sign urging Californians to vote "no" on Prop 22 in Oakland, California, on Oct. 9, 2020.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

The gig economy and how workers might win it back

One way to rethink the "sharing economy" involves setting up co-ops on apps.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Uber, Lyft threaten to stop service in California

Aug 20, 2020
The dispute could put jobs at stake during the pandemic.
The conflict has come after a judge supported a state law that classifies drivers as employees, not contractors.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Organizing labor in an era of temporary work and the gig economy

The labor movement of the future moves beyond traditional collective bargaining, says former SEIU Local 26 President Javier Morillo.
The labor movement and unions have seen declining power for decades.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Uber and Lyft have to classify drivers as employees, California judge orders

The ride-hailing companies now have 10 days to appeal the ruling.
Gig companies have expressed they want to give their contract employees some sorts of benefits but not classify them as employees. Union leaders have said they are willing to reach a compromise.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Gig workers worry about losing federal jobless benefits

Jul 23, 2020
If the $600-a-week pandemic payment disappears, many may have trouble covering their basic expenses.
Gig workers have received unemployment benefits many would not have been entitled to before pandemic assistance began.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

"Tip baiting" is just the latest battle over tips among gig workers

Apr 10, 2020
Gig platforms have long been ambivalent about encouraging tips that many workers depend on.
An Uber Eats delivery worker on March 19 in New York City.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Musician-writer Dessa on what happens when artists' gigs go away

Mar 30, 2020
"What are we supposed to do when we've got to stay apart?" said musician and writer Dessa.
“I think we are gonna have this big boom of art in the next few months as people are hunkering down over their keyboards,” Dessa says.
Sara Fish

Gig workers are vulnerable in an outbreak

Mar 3, 2020
They interact with the public and handle food, but often have no safety net to fall back on.
Most gig workers don't get any paid sick days.
Mario Tama/Getty Images