"Gig economy" rips off everyone

[Anonymous]

I've been working in the gig economy for several years now. One thing that's really bothered me is how many companies classify workers as independent contractors simply so they can avoid paying them any benefits, like sick leave and social security and workers comp. That also includes unemployment taxes. Plenty of gig economy workers are going to go belly-up now, and instead of collecting unemployment, which their "employers" paid into, they're going to have to go on welfare, which taxpayers pay for.

Why are these companies allowed to rip off the American taxpayer by shirking their responsibilities towards the people doing the actual work to make their dream business actually work?

There are so many things wrong about our economic system that are being exposed by this pandemic. This is one of them. I hope everyone realizes now that we're all connected, whether you like it or not, and that it's in all of our best interests to make sure everyone is paid fairly. When that gig worker delivers your take out or your groceries or your flowers, you are helping take advantage of them. You should care -- because now you're also going to pay for their "unemployment."

[Anonymous]

I’ve had a side gig for years. No one forced me to choose to deliver flowers by gig rather than getting a full-time job at a flower shop.

It’s a choice. Of course I’m not dependent on it and my main job pays my mortgage so it’s all about how you position yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been working in the gig economy for several years now. One thing that's really bothered me is how many companies classify workers as independent contractors simply so they can avoid paying them any benefits, like sick leave and social security and workers comp. That also includes unemployment taxes. Plenty of gig economy workers are going to go belly-up now, and instead of collecting unemployment, which their "employers" paid into, they're going to have to go on welfare, which taxpayers pay for.

Why are these companies allowed to rip off the American taxpayer by shirking their responsibilities towards the people doing the actual work to make their dream business actually work?

There are so many things wrong about our economic system that are being exposed by this pandemic. This is one of them. I hope everyone realizes now that we're all connected, whether you like it or not, and that it's in all of our best interests to make sure everyone is paid fairly. When that gig worker delivers your take out or your groceries or your flowers, you are helping take advantage of them. You should care -- because now you're also going to pay for their "unemployment."

Some people don't want a full time job with benefits, they want the flexibility to control their own hours and don't need the benefits since they get those through their spouse's employer. If you want all those benefits, why don't you get a full time job instead of working gigs?

[Anonymous]

"Gig economy" rips off everyone

No it doesn't rip off everyone. Execs are doing great.
Uber's CEO is making bank - $45 million per year, and that doesn't count bonuses and all stock.

The WeWork CEO got a 1.7 BILLION payout. If you make $1,000 a week, that is 1.7 MILLION times your salary.
In other words, you'd have to work for 32,600 years to make that payout.

Cheers, gig economy workers!
No wonder Mark Zuckerberg is more than happy to let conservatives lie on his platform - they allow him to make lots and lots of money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've been working in the gig economy for several years now. One thing that's really bothered me is how many companies classify workers as independent contractors simply so they can avoid paying them any benefits, like sick leave and social security and workers comp. That also includes unemployment taxes. Plenty of gig economy workers are going to go belly-up now, and instead of collecting unemployment, which their "employers" paid into, they're going to have to go on welfare, which taxpayers pay for.

Why are these companies allowed to rip off the American taxpayer by shirking their responsibilities towards the people doing the actual work to make their dream business actually work?

There are so many things wrong about our economic system that are being exposed by this pandemic. This is one of them. I hope everyone realizes now that we're all connected, whether you like it or not, and that it's in all of our best interests to make sure everyone is paid fairly. When that gig worker delivers your take out or your groceries or your flowers, you are helping take advantage of them. You should care -- because now you're also going to pay for their "unemployment."

Some people don't want a full time job with benefits, they want the flexibility to control their own hours and don't need the benefits since they get those through their spouse's employer. If you want all those benefits, why don't you get a full time job instead of working gigs?

I have a full time job. It's a gig economy job! Lots of people work the gig economy jobs full time to support themselves. The gig economy takes advantage of people who are stuck with no other options. All American workers should be treated like first-world workers, with sick pay and social security benefits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had a side gig for years. No one forced me to choose to deliver flowers by gig rather than getting a full-time job at a flower shop.

It’s a choice. Of course I’m not dependent on it and my main job pays my mortgage so it’s all about how you position yourself.

Glad you don't care about people who don't have a "main job" like you do. Gross.

[Anonymous]

Welfare doesn't really exist any more.

[Anonymous]

The gig economy has given supplemental income to thousands of people to provide an actual service who would otherwise be trying to sell me MLM crap.

God bless the gig economy for focusing their efforts elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

"Gig economy" rips off everyone

No it doesn't rip off everyone. Execs are doing great.
Uber's CEO is making bank - $45 million per year, and that doesn't count bonuses and all stock.

The WeWork CEO got a 1.7 BILLION payout. If you make $1,000 a week, that is 1.7 MILLION times your salary.
In other words, you'd have to work for 32,600 years to make that payout.

Cheers, gig economy workers!
No wonder Mark Zuckerberg is more than happy to let conservatives lie on his platform - they allow him to make lots and lots of money.

oh, please.. you think only high tech companies do this?

I know several people in marketing who work as independent contractors.

This is called capitalism. Rs love it.

[Anonymous]

The OP pretends that gig workers are some kind of indentured servants without free will.

[Anonymous]

I believe the gig economy is starting to become illegal in California.

It hurts artists and freelancers and people who want to
be in the gig economy.

Unions are heavily lobbying for no gig economy in California and pressuring for all jobs to be traditional jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The OP pretends that gig workers are some kind of indentured servants without free will.

Many people, particularly stay at home Mom's benefit from the flexibility of the gig economy.

[Anonymous]

real job = real benefits
gig job = gig benefits

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The gig economy has given supplemental income to thousands of people to provide an actual service who would otherwise be trying to sell me MLM crap.

God bless the gig economy for focusing their efforts elsewhere.

It's let those at the top earn a good living at the expense of the people doing the actual work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The OP pretends that gig workers are some kind of indentured servants without free will.

Yes, they are just like indentured servants. If you can't feed your family and are out of choices, you're forced to take a job with no benefits that all Americans are entitled to for very little pay. Then you get paid a small amount as an indepenent contractor but get told to do by your "boss/not-your-boss" just like an employee. You make just enough to live on plus gas and repairs on your car. That's it. No movies, no cable, no restaurants -- nothing. Nothing. You have to work time and a half to make ends meet so can't apply for "real" jobs. Your clothes get worn out and you dress worse and worse because you can't afford to replace them, and the chance of getting out gets slimmer and slimmer. But at least you are alive. At least you can feed your kids and pay rent. This is America?????

Yes, it feels just like being an indentured servant.