In a letter to CEOs of DoorDash, Grubhub, Instacart, and Uber, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) called on the employers to provide gig workers with "basic rights and protections" as they perform "essential delivery work."
"Delivery workers are risking their health to keep Americans fed during this crisis," Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) told Cheddar Wednesday, regarding her push to re-classify members of the gig economy as employees.
Numerous workers currently are protesting treatment by large companies, arguing that they are not adequately protected during the pandemic when many Americans are staying home to keep safe.
Instacart shoppers launched a nationwide strike Monday to demand hazard pay and health protection, and Amazon workers at a warehouse on Staten Island, New York, walked out in response to the company's handling actions. Amazon-owned Whole Foods employees held a nationwide strike on Tuesday by calling out sick to protest what they said is a lack of protections.
The debate over classifying delivery or gig workers as employees rather than independent contractors is not new, but Warren said the current crisis crystallizes the need for these protections.
"They perform essential delivery work, and they are critical to serving customers who can't leave home," she said. "These companies have a responsibility to protect their workers' health and to protect the public health."
Warren said if they were classified as employees, they would be granted basic workers' rights like paid sick leave and minimum wage.
The union representing 340,000 UPS workers said 86% of voting members approved the tentative contract agreement reached last month.
Mike Mussio, president of FBB Capital Partners, offers some advice to help potential savers get ahead.
Swingers mini golf co-founder and co-CEO Matt Grech-Smith explains the appeal of putt-putt for adults and the company's expansion to Las Vegas.
From moving finances online to the new ways we'll be getting cash, Ray Hatch, the Vice President of Enterprise Solutions Vertical Markets at Comcast Business explains how the banking industry is getting ready for the future.
Swingers mini golf chain co-founder and co-CEO Matt Grech-Smith explains how his company is finding success by creating a more adult version of a longtime family favorite.
Shopping expert Trae Bodge shares tips for saving money while back-to-school shopping for college students.
The managers of the Panama Canal said they expect income from the waterway to drop after authorities were forced to limit the number of ships passing through each to 32 due to a lack of rainfall.
Nissan is recalling more than 236,000 small cars in the U.S. because the tie rods in front suspension can bend and break, possibly causing drivers to lose steering control.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Facebook on Monday of putting profits over people’s safety during the emergencies created by Canada’s record wildfire season.
Neil Wertheimer, deputy editor for the AARP Bulletin and The Magazine, talks about some of the highlights from this year's list of 99 Great Ways to Save.
