I’m an Uber Driver and I Don’t Want to Be an Employee
A modest proposal to serve both gig economy workers and companies
Uber. Lyft. Doordash. Grubhub.
All of these gig economy companies have gray areas for the classification of their workers. Right now, drivers, delivery drivers, and cleaners in gig economy work are considered “independent contractors.” Courts and media have debated the question of gig economy workers’ employment status for years now, so what’s the right next step for lawmakers? And what about us, the workers?
On April 29, 2019, the Department of Labor issued an opinion letter stating that service providers working for a virtual marketplace company were independent contractors due to the significant flexibility gig economy companies offered their employees. The distinction between an employee and an independent contractor is especially important: independent contractors aren’t entitled to a minimum wage or overtime pay.
I drive for Uber and Lyft, and I can see the argument for either side of the debate. As an independent contractor, I can set my own hours, drive whenever I want, and make a good amount of money on a busy day. My exchanges with passengers have been pleasant and polite. I also work a full-time job as a teacher in Baltimore City.
