Uber, Lyft warn drivers about coronavirus, but offer no paid sick days
This is the gig economy in the time of coronavirus.
Both Uber and Lyft said they have established teams devoted to responding to the issue.
“True to their business model, so-called gig companies continue to put risk on the backs of those who produce value for the company,” said Veena Dubal, a labor law expert and associate professor at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. “In this instance, the allocation of risk threatens not only the lives and health of the gig workers, but also the consumers who use the services. “
In Mexico, two Uber drivers unknowingly transported a passenger who was infected and then went on to provide more rides. In response, the company temporarily suspended 240 passengers who may have been exposed as a result. The anecdote highlights how many lives a gig worker interacts with by doing their jobs. All drivers and riders have since been reactivated, the company said.
Food delivery services Postmates and DoorDash, and grocery delivery company Instacart, also recently issued guidance to their delivery workers. In a statement to CNN Business, Instacart nodded to the fact that customers have been using the platform to brace for coronavirus. “Over the last few days, we’ve seen a surge in customer demand for pantry items such as powdered milk and canned goods, as well as personal care products like hand sanitizer and vitamins.”
Driver forums have been active with conversations about what precautions some are taking, if any. In groups on Facebook, for example, some drivers have suggested not taking passengers coming from airports or hospitals. There are also several comments from drivers about not accepting passengers who appear to be from China, where coronavirus — also known as Covid-19 — was first detected, with other drivers pushing back on this idea, calling it racist. Others suggest not driving at all.