GrubHub trial could have major implications for the gig economy

GrubHub trial could have major implications for the gig economy(techcrunch.com)

9 points by flardinois 8 years ago | 5 comments

justboxing 8 years ago |

> It’s worth noting that companies like Shyp, Luxe and Sprig, which all made a big deal about switching its workers from 1099 contractors to W2 employees, have all shut down. Ceasing operations is typically a multi-faceted decision, but it’s an interesting commonality between those startups.

I have no opinion on whether the contract rates are fair at any of these 'Gig Economy' startups and apps, but if this trend continues, aren't the workers essentially 'firing' themselves? Because, when the company loses a class action lawsuit these workers bring against it, their business model falls apart (from having to pay benefits etc, esp in states like California), and they shutdown, and instead of making some money as contractors, they make no money at all?

Or are they all in it thinking they'll get a HUGE 1-time payout on the settlement? That also doesn't make sense because in most - if not all class action lawsuit cases - the actual amount an individual receives is paltry compared to the total amount (which could go in millions) due to the sheer number of plaintiffs involved.

lovich 8 years ago | |

Is it worth working for a company when you don't get enough to live? I understand the argument that a small amount of money is better than nothing, but we are humans, we can extrapolate the future to some extent. If you know you are fucked when one bad thing happens or that you will drain your savings in x number of months, why not try to get paid more and see if it works out?

CptBland 8 years ago | |

From the perspective of these workers, I suspect many presume it is better to live off welfare than attempt to rely on unreliable work.

trevyn 8 years ago | |

Shyp appears to still be working. And Luxe might end up being acqui-hired.

jbob2000 8 years ago |

The outcome of this will be that GrubHub will start limiting the number of hours their drivers work. There's no way GrubHub will consider them employees, that would kill the business model.

The banks in Canada already do this. If you are a contractor, you can only work for 18 months before you are required to take 3 months off. This is to avoid you being classified as an employee, entitled to benefits and other employment perks.