12.21.20 - On-Demand Industry Launches Coalition
'Companies that provide on-demand services through apps like Uber and DoorDash have formed a coalition ahead of a likely debate in Albany over regulations for the sector.'
'The coalition, set to be announced on Monday, includes companies Lyft, Uber, Instacart, Postmates and DoorDash as well as advocacy organizations like the NAACP New York Conference and business organizations The Long Island Association and the Business Council.'
'The alliance comes amid efforts to regulate the industry in New York and amid concerns from lawmakers the companies have taken advantage of its workforce in what's known informally as the "gig economy."'
'“This type of flexible work provides a critical lifeline to so many New Yorkers, including communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by the economic downturn,” said Rev. Kirsten John Foy, president of the Arc of Justice Foundation and a founding member of the coalition. “We hope New York leaders will work together to ensure these workers gain new protections and benefits while keeping the independence they overwhelmingly want. If we all come together, we can achieve a workable solution.”'
'The coalition, known as the New York Coalition for Independent Work, has also pointed to polling data that found most workers have wanted remain essentially independent contractors.'