Petition to the United States Federal Government: The Gig Worker Bill of Rights
TO: The United States Federal Government, including the U.S. Congress, the Department of Labor, and all relevant regulatory agencies.

 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
We, the undersigned citizens of the United States, are raising our voices on behalf of a fundamental change in the American workforce. With an estimated 57 to 72 million Americans performing some type of gig work, this sector is rapidly changing the landscape of traditional 9-to-5 labor. Despite this monumental shift and the sheer size of this workforce, there is a shocking lack of urgency to provide these constituents with the basic legislative protections that other occupations are afforded. The current system, which labels gig workers as independent contractors, creates an environment of vulnerability, exploitation, and instability for a rapidly growing and essential segment of our nation.

 

THE PROBLEM
Gig workers are a backbone of the modern economy, yet they are subjected to a system that denies them basic protections. Despite being labeled "independent contractors," gig workers are often treated as employees, facing penalties for low acceptance rates, cancellations, and other factors beyond their control. This system leads to unfair dismissal, algorithmic wage discrimination, and "shadowbanning" that can instantly cut off a worker's income.

 

Compounding these issues is the constant, uncompensated risk gig workers face every day. Driving is inherently stressful, and the likelihood of accidents is a grave reality of the job. For drivers, this stress is amplified by the pressure to meet deadlines and the demands of apps that often prioritize speed over safety. The lack of social safety nets means a single accident or injury can lead to financial ruin, as gig workers lack access to workers' compensation and other benefits that would protect a traditional employee.

 

Gig companies like Uber claim to be technology platforms, but their business model is built on mobility and delivery. As Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has personally stated, delivery and mobility are their core business. Without the driver workforce, there would be no profits and no business at all. These companies collect billions of dollars in emergency funds from trips for insurance purposes, yet there is a stunning lack of transparency on how this money is used. Drivers and consumers  have no way of knowing how much is taken from their cut or how it's allocated, creating an opaque system where they bear all the risk with none of the protection.

 

The lack of care for drivers' well-being is deeply apparent. Gig workers are responsible for all vehicle wear and tear, fuel costs, and mental health costs. They must also bear the cost of passenger appeasement, providing water and snacks, and dealing with stains, door damages, and issues like smells and illegal alcohol consumption. When a passenger harasses a driver, they are simply "unmatched," but if a driver is accused of similar behavior, they are immediately deactivated with the potential of a ban. Drivers can be deactivated for numerous reasons, some of which are beyond their control or are simply made up by the customer. This double standard exposes a profound disregard for the safety of drivers.

 

Gig workers are not consulted on fundamental aspects of the job. Passengers can add stops to a trip without consulting the driver, who is simply expected to follow the app's new dictation. Furthermore, drivers are penalized and warned for failing to follow prescribed routes that are often slower or for simply being stuck in traffic that has not been detected by the company's algorithm. This lack of agency leads to risking the cancellation of the next ride already lined up, improper compensation, and new safety issues.

 

Additionally, promotional activities and surge zones are inconsistently and unfairly applied, varying drastically between drivers. One driver may have access to lucrative surges and incentives while another, working in the same area, receives none. This algorithmic discrimination creates an uneven playing field and undermines the ability of drivers to earn a predictable and fair income.

 

Beyond these financial and professional risks, gig workers are now being placed in extreme legal jeopardy. Courier and delivery services are increasingly being used by drug traffickers to move illegal goods without the driver's knowledge, unknowingly making drivers drug mules. This adds a new and terrifying layer of risk, where a driver's freedom and safety are jeopardized by criminal activity they have no awareness of. This is a direct consequence of a business model that prioritizes anonymity and unaccountability over worker protection.

 

This vulnerable position puts gig workers at constant risk of vehicle theft, robbery, and even sexual assault. They have to manage the mental instability of passengers, which can lead to traumatic incidents, PTSD, or even death. All of this risk is borne by the worker, while the companies reap all the profits hiding behind arbitration agreements that are lengthy and change often.

 

THE SOLUTION
We, the undersigned, call on the United States federal government to pass legislation that recognizes gig workers as "pseudo-employees"—a new, hybrid classification that bridges the gap between independent contractors and traditional employees. This legislative action must include:

 

Protection Against Unfair Dismissal: A clear process for appeals and a ban on arbitrary account deactivation.
Access to Social Safety Nets and Benefits: The ability to qualify for crucial protections like unemployment benefits, paid sick leave, and other standard employee benefits.
Transparency and Fairness in Wage Calculations: Guaranteed livable wages that account for expenses and a clear breakdown of how pay is determined, including clear details on deductions and fees.
Proper Claims Procedures: A structured process for gig workers to challenge unjust penalties, fines, or other disciplinary actions.
CALL TO ACTION
By signing this petition, you are demanding that our government listens to the voices of gig workers and takes immediate, meaningful steps to provide them with the rights, protections, and dignity they deserve.