Workers will kick off bold campaign to win new pay standards for app-based independent contractors and make Seattle’s gig economy pay up
Billions of dollars are pouring into gig economy platforms like DoorDash, Instacart, and Postmates — but this vast wealth isn't trickling down to the people who do the work.
In fact, gig workers aren’t covered by minimum wage laws. They’re not protected from tip theft. And they’re frequently not provided the information they need to know what a given job will actually pay, or why.
That could all change as we launch a breakthrough campaign to win a first-in-the-nation city labor policy covering independent contractors working in the gig economy which will:
Set a pay floor for gig workers equivalent to minimum wage plus expenses. (Expenses would include at minimum the cost of mileage at the IRS rate — currently 57.5¢/mile — as well as additional payroll taxes paid by contractors.)
Ensure tips are on top of pay.
Require transparency.
Who: Gig workers, gig customers, community allies, and elected officials.
What: Kick off a campaign to win citywide pay standards for people working in the gig economy. Workers will share their experiences, review our policy platform, and call for action by city leaders this year to make the gig economy pay up. We’ll also be releasing a report surveying Seattle’s gig economy and offering detailed recommendations for how to close the app gap.
When: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 12:00pm. RSVP here to reserve space.
Where: Seattle Impact Hall — 220 2nd Ave South, Seattle
Our kickoff event is the first step in moving Seattle to become the first city in the nation to bring basic pay standards to the gig economy. And just like happened with minimum wage, paid sick days, secure scheduling, and other Seattle labor standards, it could very well spark similar action across the state & across the country.
And it starts March 4th.
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Contact: Sage Wilson, Working Washington, sage@workingwa.org