"This broken relationship is not healthy for any independent contractor."

Terri Herstad, Handy worker, Seattle

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I currently work on the gig economy platform Handy, and I started gig work through Instacart. Gig workers need the support of Seattle City Council in passing legislation that would require app companies to build better relationships with contractors. As independent contractors, we are expected to bear the expenses of last-mile operation. Over the years, our income has been reduced to below the threshold of a minimum wage job. We are facing increasing expenses paired with chronically reducing compensation.

 My experience with Handy is a prime example of how gig economy app companies work. Handy is considered a “technology company,” yet their operational behavior resembles a home-services booking agency. As a house cleaner on the Handy app, I am not allowed to visit potential clients prior to the job. This means I am not allowed to determine if the relationship between me and the client will be healthy.

Handy has placed me in jobs that have not been in the best interest of my physical and mental safety. Handy determines the time needed to complete a job. Handy determines what I am paid for the job. Handy holds control over customer service. If I am exposed to COVID, I am not allowed any contact with clients via phone or email for a period of two weeks.

Handy controls everything as if I were an employee. Yet, I am expected to cover the cost of my business license, state taxes, federal taxes, liability insurance, surety bond, equipment and supplies, along with mileage and phone expenses. This broken relationship is not healthy for any independent contractor.

 We need the support of Seattle City Council in passing local ordinances that support strengthening the contractor and app company relationship. We know that when we can lay a solid foundation in Seattle, we will provide better support for gig economy contractors in the rest of the state.