A typical reason they don't just quit is that they need a new car to work for Uber in the first place, which they can get using their xchange program[1] that gi

A typical reason they don't just quit is that they need a new car to work for Uber in the first place, which they can get using their xchange program[1] that gives them a large monthly obligation[2]. They can get this even when they don't qualify for a regular car lease because they have bad credit/no income. So they have to work many hours just to get to the 0 point after which they start to earn money for themselves. If they quit they're stuck with the lease, which they cannot afford to pay and makes no sense for them to have with any other low paying job. So the lease serves as lock in -- bondage -- of the worker to Uber, even though they're technically not employees. I think being indebted to your employer in this way is barbaric. Disclaimer: I heard this, haven't verified it myself. [1] https://get.uber.com/cl/xchange/ https://get.uber.com/cl/xchange/ [2] Lease cost. Taxes. Fuel. Insurance.