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If the gig economy relies on the suffering of others, then it should be nipped in the bud. If the gig economy cannot compete on a level playing field, keeping

If the gig economy relies on the suffering of others, then it should be nipped in the bud. If the gig economy cannot compete on a level playing field, keeping the benefits stable, it is just a race to the bottom.

mrfusion 6y ago
You guys have some strong opinions on this. I feel bad I’m kind of on the fence. I see the merits of both sides so I’m not sure what to do.
d0100 6y ago
> suffering of others I always ask Uber drivers why they are driving. The reasons are alway to the tune of: * Part-time (sick family member, needs extra cash, etc) * He can drive 14h/day and make bank (up to 5 times the minimum wage) * He is unemployed * Previously worked a blue collar, minimum wage jog with a shitty boss. Makes almost double minimum wage with no shitty boss The "suffering of others" isn't caused by the gig economy. Simply removing the gig economy does nothing to help those in need. It serves only to pat yourself on the back and think you are ridding the world from capitalist oppression. Focus on removing the suffering of others first, and the gig economy will collapse on its own.
- phaemon 6y ago
  Very true. Reason #361 for a UBI.
username90 6y ago
There is huge demand for easy to get unstable jobs, lots of people want these. Not having them removes options from people, they aren't worse than other jobs just different.
- fzeroracer 6y ago
  I mean, depending on the country in question they are worse than other jobs (namely by not offering healthcare benefits). People trade long-term benefits for short-term profits and the end result is that the tax payer is on the hook for those that slip through the system and need medical care. At least that's how it functions in the US.
walshemj 6y ago
It also damages other real self employed workers due to badly though out laws and over reach by the TAX Man - see IR35 in the UK

mrfusion 6y ago

You guys have some strong opinions on this. I feel bad I’m kind of on the fence. I see the merits of both sides so I’m not sure what to do.

d0100 6y ago

> suffering of others I always ask Uber drivers why they are driving. The reasons are alway to the tune of: * Part-time (sick family member, needs extra cash, etc) * He can drive 14h/day and make bank (up to 5 times the minimum wage) * He is unemployed * Previously worked a blue collar, minimum wage jog with a shitty boss. Makes almost double minimum wage with no shitty boss The "suffering of others" isn't caused by the gig economy. Simply removing the gig economy does nothing to help those in need. It serves only to pat yourself on the back and think you are ridding the world from capitalist oppression. Focus on removing the suffering of others first, and the gig economy will collapse on its own.

phaemon 6y ago
Very true. Reason #361 for a UBI.

username90 6y ago

There is huge demand for easy to get unstable jobs, lots of people want these. Not having them removes options from people, they aren't worse than other jobs just different.

fzeroracer 6y ago
I mean, depending on the country in question they are worse than other jobs (namely by not offering healthcare benefits). People trade long-term benefits for short-term profits and the end result is that the tax payer is on the hook for those that slip through the system and need medical care. At least that's how it functions in the US.

walshemj 6y ago

It also damages other real self employed workers due to badly though out laws and over reach by the TAX Man - see IR35 in the UK