Could anyone have predicted that Uber would face multiple labor-related lawsuits? It seems ages ago since the ridesharing company was hailed as an innovator for changing the transportation industry. In the past few years, Uber has become better known for facing trials regarding the problematic nature of independent contraction.
These developments mean nothing but good news to diners: With easier access to countless food concepts, dining is becoming increasingly independent of location and time constrictions.
In this sense, gig work can be gainful employment. But as with any technologically-induced paradigm shift, the Uberization of labor has its serious drawbacks. Unlike regular employees, gig workers don’t receive benefits such as social security, health insurance, paid holidays, and leave benefits. Couriers—or riders, as they’re more commonly known—have to shoulder expenditures such as gas and maintenance.