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While it’s true that it’s bad for Uber it drivers are classified as employees, it’s also going to be bad for drivers. Why so much energy directed at punitive me

While it’s true that it’s bad for Uber it drivers are classified as employees, it’s also going to be bad for drivers. Why so much energy directed at punitive measures? Employee classification only benefits tax authorities who get to collect more money. Why we penalize hiring employees I have no idea but that’s how it works.

Barrin92 7y ago
> it’s also going to be bad for drivers how does this follow? Regular employees are entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay and reimbursements for work expenses. The latter in particular would finally put an end to Uber's business model of outsourcing maintenance and risk to drivers, costs which many drivers are very likely not fully aware of. Being treated as a regular employee, possible unionizing and being entitled to full benefits is a huge boon for working people.
- paulsutter 7y ago
  Reclassification doesn’t create new money. Things that would actually help drivers: - Limit Uber's share of the fare to 10%. Or 5%. And the driver gets the rest - Let drivers set strict limits on where they are willing to pick up/drop off, etc - Let drivers set their price/terms Give drivers more control, not less. Making them employees gives them less control
  - Barrin92 7y ago
    a ridesharing service without drivers doesn't exist. Of course reclassification doesn't create new money, if the companies want to be able to operate they'll need to find it somewhere else. Maybe we could start with not making developers millionaires in their 20s and hiring 1k+ sales people for a company that makes a smartphone app. Literal price fixing might seem simple but seems like a bad market intervention in comparison to giving workers reasonable negotiating power and representation.
    - paulsutter 7y ago
      Is this what's really bothering you? Personally I'd prioritize helping drivers over punishing tech bros. Limiting the app's share isn't a price control, and the most direct way to prevent all the value accruing to a handful of people. > Maybe we could start with not making developers millionaires in their 20s and hiring 1k+ sales people for a company that makes a smartphone app.

Barrin92 7y ago

> it’s also going to be bad for drivers how does this follow? Regular employees are entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay and reimbursements for work expenses. The latter in particular would finally put an end to Uber's business model of outsourcing maintenance and risk to drivers, costs which many drivers are very likely not fully aware of. Being treated as a regular employee, possible unionizing and being entitled to full benefits is a huge boon for working people.

paulsutter 7y ago
Reclassification doesn’t create new money. Things that would actually help drivers: - Limit Uber's share of the fare to 10%. Or 5%. And the driver gets the rest - Let drivers set strict limits on where they are willing to pick up/drop off, etc - Let drivers set their price/terms Give drivers more control, not less. Making them employees gives them less control
- Barrin92 7y ago
  a ridesharing service without drivers doesn't exist. Of course reclassification doesn't create new money, if the companies want to be able to operate they'll need to find it somewhere else. Maybe we could start with not making developers millionaires in their 20s and hiring 1k+ sales people for a company that makes a smartphone app. Literal price fixing might seem simple but seems like a bad market intervention in comparison to giving workers reasonable negotiating power and representation.
  - paulsutter 7y ago
    Is this what's really bothering you? Personally I'd prioritize helping drivers over punishing tech bros. Limiting the app's share isn't a price control, and the most direct way to prevent all the value accruing to a handful of people. > Maybe we could start with not making developers millionaires in their 20s and hiring 1k+ sales people for a company that makes a smartphone app.