Open Letter to the Members of the United States Congress

Dear Members of Congress,

On behalf of the United Delivery Advocates and the countless gig workers across the nation, I am writing to urge your immediate attention and legislative action to address the pressing issues faced by gig economy workers, who are an increasingly vital part of our national workforce.

The gig economy has revolutionized the way goods and services are delivered, offering unprecedented convenience to consumers and flexible employment opportunities to workers. However, this innovation has not been matched with adequate protections for those it employs. We, the United Delivery Advocates, propose the following legislative actions to ensure fair treatment and security for gig workers:
Fair Compensation: We urge Congress to establish fair pay standards that include minimum wage guarantees for gig workers, alongside compensation for wait times and cancellations. This is crucial to ensure that gig work can be a viable and dignified means of livelihood.
Health and Safety Protections: We advocate for the implementation of safety standards tailored to gig work, including mandatory insurance coverage, comprehensive safety training, and provision of necessary safety equipment.
Benefits and Social Safety Nets: It is imperative that gig workers have access to essential benefits such as health insurance, paid sick leave, paid family leave, and robust retirement plans. These are fundamental rights for a stable workforce.
Legal Recognition and Rights: We call for a legislative review to grant gig workers appropriate employment classification that affords them comparable protections and benefits as those enjoyed by traditional employees.
Job Security: Transparent policies regarding the deactivation and appeals processes on gig platforms must be mandated, ensuring that workers are not unjustly barred from earning their livelihood without a fair recourse.
Support and Resources: Allocate funding for the provision of legal, financial, and mental health support services specifically designed for the unique challenges faced by gig workers.
Public Awareness and Education: Support initiatives to educate the public and fellow policymakers about the realities of gig work to foster a more supportive legislative and social environment.
Collective Bargaining Rights: We strongly advocate for the legal rights of gig workers to organize and bargain collectively. This is essential for empowering workers and ensuring their voices are heard in negotiations that affect their work conditions and lives.

The time to act is now. Gig workers have become an indispensable part of our economy, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they provided essential services at great personal risk. It is our moral and economic duty to ensure they are supported and protected.

We look forward to your support and leadership in enacting these changes to create a fairer, more equitable work environment for all. Together, we can pave the way for a more just economy that values the contributions of gig workers and provides them with the protections they rightfully deserve.

Sincerely,

Amir Farahani
Founder & Director of Policy, United Delivery Advocates

Andre Benoit
Founder & Director of Government Relations, United Delivery Advocates