Seattle gig workers on How the Minimum Wage Law is WORKING
In 2019, Seattle gig workers came together around a shared desire to reboot the gig economy so it works for everyone, and #PayUp was born. Together we won a suite of first-in-the-nation policy in the city of Seattle, including a minimum pay floor.
Fast forward to 2024, and the PayUp Minimum Wage ordinance is under attack. App companies and their lobbyists are trying to convince Seattle city council that minimum wage for gig workers is bad for us. In March, Seattle City Council announced amendment legislation that would completely gut the ordinance. Through a rushed, closed-door process, Council President Nelson has allowed the app corporation lobbying to direct the future of gig worker labor protections.
Here’s what workers have to say:
“I’ve been a gig worker for years. This ordinance has increased my pay. We are now compensated for time and miles. I was in every step of this policy. We cannot allow corporations to prioritize profits over the wellbeing of the worker.”
“This has improved my life & my job. I have seen my pay increase substantially. We used to rely on the generosity of customers to make an actual living wage. This ordinance means that we’re now getting paid a living wage for each order and not relying so heavily on customer tips to make up the difference with Instacart underpaying us.”
“I can say personally since the payup policy was implemented a month ago, I’m already seeing improvements in my life. And the biggest being that I paid my rent on time this month. And that is something that has been a challenge for sometime. What I can tell you is that the PayUp policy is making our city better because to begin with it is helping keep people in their homes. It truly is.”
“I’ve been working as a driver through DoorDash for a few years. Since the ordinance went into effect, my earnings have increased not by an incredible amount. That’s right. I can’t afford a second house or a first house for that matter. but they’ve increased notably””
“My hourly is now at least twice what it was before the law passed. Even with the punitive practices by some of the app platforms, the pay gap law is essential because it halted the abuse of market consolidation to drive down courier fees and practices like the gambling psychology in the apps that had long been used to exploit us as couriers. This law has the potential to make the system more efficient, not less.”
What customers are saying:
"I don't know why council is considering overturning a law that ensures workers get fair pay. Are you working for us, people who live in Seattle? Or are you working for app corporations?"
-Nora, Customer at City Council Hearing 4.9.24
"Slow. Down. We cannot overturn a law when there is not enough objective evidence that this law isn't working."
-Margaret, Customer at City Council Hearing 4.9.24
"Workers deserve to earn at least a minimum wage. As a customer i want to ensure workers are getting paid a fair wage after expenses. I ask those on the Seattle City Council not to fall for these companies unfair tactics.”
- Customer at City Council Hearing 4.2.24
"I'm a delivery customer here in Seattle. I was disheartened to say the least when the aggressive anti-worker messaging started popping up on these apps. To know that the council is considering repeal of minimum wage is unacceptable."
- Customer at City Council Hearing 4.2.24
These [delivery services] are services I use and gig workers are people who deserve to have at least a minimum wage. I really want to ask you: are you representing your constituency if you disregard them?"
- Customer at City Council Hearing 4.2.24
"I'm struggling to afford these retaliatory fees. Don't let the corporations get away with greed and manipulation."
- Customer at City Council Hearing 3.28.24
Need to refresh your memory on why we organized for this ordinance in the first place?
Worker leaders started the PayUp Campaign because:
BILL ALRED, WORKER ON DOORDASH, INSTACART, AND UBER EATS
“All too often, I realize after accepting a job that it was way too much time and cost for way too little pay.”
TERRI HERSTAD, HANDY WORKER
"This broken relationship is not healthy for any independent contractor."
MAGNOLIA KLEE, TASKRABBIT WORKER
“New Taskers are strongly encouraged to charge $18/hour for skilled work. After expenses, this is far below minimum wage.”
MA HERNANDEZ, DOORDASH WORKER
“DoorDash lies when they say we’re earning $27/hour. My earnings in March were just under $1,230. With my total costs of $671, I brought home less than $600.”
WEI LIN, GOPUFF WORKER
“Each order only pays $4. Sometimes that doesn’t even cover our gas and mileage costs!”
SHELBY HANSEN, ROVER WORKER
“This pay isn’t enough to sustain a livable wage, let alone to deal with medical bills.”
KARL S., AMAZON FLEX WORKER
“I actually had to pay Amazon to deliver their grocery packages for a block I signed up for in April.”
KIDANE BEYENE, AMAZON FLEX AND INSTACART WORKER
“They don’t like experienced drivers because we know all their tricks.”
ABBE B., GOPUFF WORKER
“GoPuff only pays $4 a delivery, sometimes with no tips after driving 30 minutes across town.”
ORLANDO SANTANA, AMAZON FLEX AND DOORDASH WORKER
“Whether we’re working full time or working to supplement income, fair pay is fair pay.”
JEAN KALLAS, GRUBHUB WORKER
"What do these companies think “enough hours” are, if working full time is not sufficient?"
JOE A., INSTACART WORKER
“Instacart recently made a big deal about a payout for the increases in gas prices. Their payout: 40 cents per delivery. It’s a joke.”
MARIAMA JABBI, FORMER AMAZON FLEX DRIVER
“I missed a block on Amazon Flex… there was nobody to call when I needed to call out.”
TALISHA HERALD, INSTACART WORKER
“I was deactivated for requesting sick pay that Instacart wouldn’t even issue to me.”
JOHN W., ROVER WORKER
“Rover still tries to control my schedule by lowering my search rating when I don’t accept jobs that are within my preferences.”
MAKENZIE ORR, INSTACART WORKER
“I was in an accident while delivering in inclement weather. Instacart only cared about the order getting to the customer, and they ‘marked’ me for the delay.”
KANIA K., INSTACART WORKER
“I ended up losing money on the order because I had to pay $150 for a tow truck.”
JESSICA T., INSTACART AND GRUBHUB WORKER
“I need to work a job like this because I don’t have any family, so I need to be available for my children.”
KAY VANDERBURG, GRUBHUB AND DOORDASH WORKER
"My name is Kay Vanderburg and I am a 76-year-old gig worker.”