B.C. Fed: ‘Employment standards should apply to Uber and Lyft’
“The independent contractor—it’s a beautiful invention of the free market that’s gained booming popularity among tech giants thriving in the golden era of late-stage capitalism. And yet the B.C. Federation of Labour isn’t crazy about it. In a letter dated September 24... the workers-rights organization outlined its concerns for Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing services, and these companies’ reliance on independent contractors to drive the vehicles that comprise their transportation services.”
“‘Workers driving for ride-hailing businesses typically face low wages and zero workplace protections,’ said B.C. Fed president Laird Cronk quoted in a media release that accompanies the letter. ‘B.C. has one chance to establish a fair system. It’s up to the provincial government and the PTB [Passenger Transportation Board] to do what’s right: ensure ride-hailing drivers are classified as employees and have minimum labour protections.’”
The Georgia Straight, October 1, 2019: “Uber, Lyft, and fleets of independent contractors will hurt B.C. labour protections, B.C. Fed warns,” by Travis Lupick
B.C. Federation of Labour, October 1, 2019: “Employment standards should apply to Uber and Lyft,” (5 pages, PDF)
Buzzfeed News, September 6, 2019: “Amazon’s Next-Day Delivery Has Brought Chaos And Carnage To America’s Streets — But The World’s Biggest Retailer Has A System To Escape The Blame,” by Caroline O’Donovan and Ken Bensinger
B.C. Federation of Labour website
