The unpaid family and medical leave bill passed by the Washington state Senate this week is a powerful step in the right direction for working families across the country. It will make Washington the first state in the nation to grant ride-hail drivers the right to paid family and medical leave, providing them with much-needed relief from juggling work and care responsibilities. This move will help ensure that Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hail companies are able to adequately staffed during times of personal health emergencies, ensuring a safe transportation option for riders as well.
In addition to establishing a statewide wage floor for drivers, the Expand Fairness Act also ensured that workers are protected from unjustified deactivation, worker’s compensation insurance and paid sick time. These provisions are crucial tools to help ensure that drivers have fair and livable wages, health and safety protections, and a reasonable amount of time off to care for themselves or their families.
Las Vegas is a city that thrives on its nightlife and its numerous casinos. Uber and Lyft drivers depend on the app to make a living, but the win in Washington means that they can be classified as employees and therefore earn a fairer share of profits.
Although Washington state’s ruling is controversial, it could set a precedent for other states that are fighting to grant gig workers employment benefits. This ruling could provide gig workers with access to benefits such as health insurance and Worker’s Compensation, which would make them more likely to be employed long-term.
Today, the State of Washington passed a new law that guarantees ride-hail drivers the right to take time off to care for a loved one in need. This victory is a testament to the power of unions and their ability to stand up for the rights of their members. Drivers Union was instrumental in pushing for this change, and we are excited to see what else we can achieve together.
Critics of the legislation argue that it will only be used by drivers who are not able to work for a period of time due to a serious health condition. They also say that the leave will not be enough, as it only offers up to 12 weeks of paid leave.
The app-based companies have been fighting the unions tooth and nail, but the proposed program will help Drivers earn an honest living while protecting passengers. The app-based companies are paying for the program, so there’s nothing for riders to lose.
The various reports detailing the socioeconomic hardships faced by Washington’s Uber and Lyft drivers paints a grim picture. About a third of drivers and their families rely on food stamps in King County, with a quarter living in federal poverty. However, despite these challenges, many immigrants and people of color continue to drive for these companies. The reason for this phenomena is likely tied to the flexibility that driving for Uber or Lyft offers: workers can set their own hours and work when they want, regardless of their schedule or school schedule. Furthermore, because these companies are relatively new compared to other forms of transportation, there is often less stigma attached to working as an Uber or Lyft driver.
In California, Uber and Lyft have been in a race to offer the most comprehensive benefits package. Last month, Lyft announced that it will offer up to 12 weeks of paid family medical leave and six months of unemployment insurance coverage. The company also said that it plans to donate $1 million annually to charity through its charitable arm, Lyft Strive. This is an impressive addition to the benefits list offered by Uber, which already includes eight weeks of maternity leave and six months of unemployment insurance coverage. It shows the commitment businesses are making towards their workers and their needs.
In the wake of its data breach involving more than 57 million customers, Uber has been thrust into a public relations nightmare. The company is finding it increasingly difficult to reassure customers that their personal information is safe and that breaches will not happen again. Meanwhile,
