Summary
Thousands of ride share and delivery drivers in Canada, the United States, and the UK are participating in a one-day strike to demand higher wages and better working conditions. Companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash will be affected by the temporary work stoppage. This strike comes at a time when shareholders are pushing for higher profits, while drivers struggle to make ends meet.
The Fight for Better Conditions
Ride share and delivery drivers in Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver are uniting to send a clear message to the companies they work for – it’s time for a breakup. On Valentine’s Day, they are urging people to refrain from using gig apps like Uber, Uber Eats, Lyft, and DoorDash, in a show of solidarity for better pay, treatment, and overall conditions. This coordinated action extends beyond Canada, with gig workers in North America and the UK also participating.
Global Job Action
In the United States, drivers in 44 cities, including Chicago and Miami, are joining the strike. For a two-hour window, these drivers will refuse to pick up or drop off passengers at airports. In the UK, delivery drivers will abstain from their duties for five hours, leaving customers without their expected deliveries. In Toronto, the largest ride share market in Canada, drivers will gather at City Hall before heading to Uber’s head office.
The Reality of Gig Work
The current state of gig work is taking a toll on drivers’ earnings and livelihoods. An advocacy group report reveals that Uber drivers in Toronto earn an average of only $6 per hour, a staggering $10 below the minimum wage. The study challenges Uber’s claims that drivers make over $33 per hour by deducting all expenses, leaving them with a meager income. The gig economy is leaving many drivers struggling to make ends meet in an increasingly unaffordable world.
Legislation to Address Gig Economy Issues
Fortunately, some parts of Canada are taking steps to address the challenges faced by gig workers. Legislation in Ontario and British Columbia aims to improve conditions and increase pay for these workers. Once enacted, British Columbia’s legislation will bring gig workers just above the minimum wage. In Ontario, the proposed legislation would also raise their earnings to the provincial minimum wage of $15 per hour. However, these changes have yet to take effect.
Are Gig Workers Really Independent Contractors?
One economist raises an important question regarding the classification of gig workers. If someone spends the majority of their working hours driving for a specific company, should they be considered independent contractors or employees? Employees receive additional protections that gig workers currently lack. This ongoing debate holds significant implications for the rights and benefits of gig workers.
As Valentine’s Day unfolds, traditionally a busy day for gig workers, this strike serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges they face. It remains to be seen how this movement will impact the ride share and delivery industry and whether it will lead to meaningful changes in wages and working conditions.
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