In 2022, Seattle gig workers won a first-in-the-nation minimum pay standard so that gig companies could no longer pay subminimum wages to the workers who make app-based services possible.
This new law goes into effect Jan. 13th, but instead of following it and paying workers a livable wage, Target’s delivery service Shipt announced it would rather skip town.
Beginning January 10th, Shipt is pausing service in certain locations within the Seattle metro area, such as Northgate, Ballard, Seattle Central, and Rainier Valley. Shipt is blaming “short notice” of new labor standards and implying that the law stopping gig companies from paying workers less than minimum wage is erroneous and oppressive.
But that’s a load of shi(p)t.
Shipt had over 18 months to comply. It also operates just fine in places like California and New York City which have extremely similar minimum pay standards for gig workers. And it sounds to us like Shipt’s business model relies on underpaying and exploiting workers – and that’s no way to contribute to our economy.
“The PayUp Minimum Pay Standard has been written with the input of thousands of gig workers. It shows we are not disposable and should not be exploited.”
Workers are calling Shipt out on its BS.
If you’re a gig worker and want to join other gig workers in fighting back and keeping up the momentum to raise our wages and improve our industry, click here to drop your contact info and get plugged in.
We need you.
