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As much as I like that idea, there are two basic misconceptions about that. First, the contractors are self-employed and therefor compete with each other. In a

As much as I like that idea, there are two basic misconceptions about that. First, the contractors are self-employed and therefor compete with each other. In a union, employees do not really compete with each other. Second, because the contractors compete with each other, they are liable to competition laws. A "union" in this matter would be a cartel and thus illegal. Although, a state could and should introduce regulations that strengthen the interests of small contractors.

x5n1 11y ago
Though contractor can not unionize workers of a certain industry can unionize. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_unionism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_unionism Workers can also unionize according to craft. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craft_unionism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craft_unionism The point of the article was that in some cases the judges have ruled that the "contractors" should be employees. And then if that's the case then they should be able to form a union. I however was making a general point and not a specific point. Corporations and employers obviously want to force everyone into a freelance sort of position with no job security. There are numerous benefits in it for them. Someone has to do something to fight this. Because they do hold all the cards in this case. And they don't really need employees. Uber's long term strategy of automation, which is what this is about in the long run, will essentially destroy the industry. In the long run that's really what you are dealing with. This is just one shot in that battle.
- einrealist 11y ago
  Of course, people and businesses can form interest groups. But they are still liable to competition laws. Price fixing is not allowed. Such a interest group can agree on certain standards, but not pricing or anything that would stifle competition. Yes, if Uber needs to employ their former contractors a because of misclassification rulings (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misclassification_of_employees_as_independent_contractors https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misclassification_of_employees...) - I like the German word "Scheinselbstständigkeit" - they then can form a union.

x5n1 11y ago

Though contractor can not unionize workers of a certain industry can unionize. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_unionism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_unionism Workers can also unionize according to craft. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craft_unionism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craft_unionism The point of the article was that in some cases the judges have ruled that the "contractors" should be employees. And then if that's the case then they should be able to form a union. I however was making a general point and not a specific point. Corporations and employers obviously want to force everyone into a freelance sort of position with no job security. There are numerous benefits in it for them. Someone has to do something to fight this. Because they do hold all the cards in this case. And they don't really need employees. Uber's long term strategy of automation, which is what this is about in the long run, will essentially destroy the industry. In the long run that's really what you are dealing with. This is just one shot in that battle.

einrealist 11y ago
Of course, people and businesses can form interest groups. But they are still liable to competition laws. Price fixing is not allowed. Such a interest group can agree on certain standards, but not pricing or anything that would stifle competition. Yes, if Uber needs to employ their former contractors a because of misclassification rulings (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misclassification_of_employees_as_independent_contractors https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misclassification_of_employees...) - I like the German word "Scheinselbstständigkeit" - they then can form a union.