Jeanell: "These companies are making billions and driving their workers into poverty" #PayUpNow

"I started working at Instacart in January of last year. I’d worked as a home health care aide for 20 years, but was injured on the job and had to find work I could do despite my injuries. Accessibility of the work was important to me, but I soon found myself having to work constantly just to make ends meet.

I drove from Arlington to Lynnwood and Seattle, seven days a week. I worked from 8 in the morning til 9 or 10 at night, to make only $1000 a week, including tips. On top of that, I was driving my car into the ground — I realized I wasn’t actually making any money because the cost of gas and car maintenance was eating away at my income, putting me way below minimum wage.

In early February, my car broke down from all the wear and tear — I had to call and cancel the Instacart shop I was on, and they told me I wouldn’t get in trouble. We can’t do the work if we have no car, so I had to get it fixed right away. I spent a ton of money to repair my car, with a new radiator, brakes, starter, and battery, but two days later I was deactivated even though I had a straight 5-star rating. I got no explanation for why I was deactivated — IC simply accused me of “fraudulent practices.” I lost my income overnight, and I still owe the money to pay for these repairs.

The gig economy creates this kind of instability for thousands of people, especially single mothers like me. These companies are making billions and driving their workers into poverty. I implore you to stop these companies from deactivating for no reason, cutting our pay, and taking our tips. We need stability. We need to stand up and say no more.”

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Gig workers are calling on the Seattle City Council to make the gig economy Pay Up Now by passing new laws that raise pay, protect flexibility, and provide transparency. Send a message today: