we’ll discuss the future of the gig economy and contract work at tc sessions: justice on march 3

Similar to numerous other areas of life, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly highlighted issues surrounding the gig economy and independent contractors in the last year, which is why we will be exploring this subject at TC Sessions: Justice on March 3.

Services providing food delivery, such as Seamless, and positions in warehousing and order fulfillment, like those at Amazon, have been vital in providing people with necessary goods during a particularly challenging period in recent American history, despite often offering limited compensation.

However, why do positions deemed “essential” by our communities frequently offer the fewest safeguards for the individuals performing them? Are there methods to guarantee support for those who require it most?

As the pandemic progressed, California enacted Proposition 22. This legislation was seen as a substantial achievement for businesses like Uber and Lyft – which invested a combined $200 million in promotional efforts – and a significant setback for workers seeking fundamental employment protections. However, the debate between those supporting Proposition 22 and gig workers who disagree with it is ongoing. A coalition of rideshare drivers in California, alongside the Service Employees International Union, has initiated legal action, claiming Proposition 22 infringes upon the California constitution.

To analyze the gig worker landscape and its potential evolution following Proposition 22, we will welcome Jessica E. Martinez, the co-executive director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, a group dedicated to advancing safe and healthy work environments; Vanessa Bain, a gig worker advocate and co-founder of the Gig Workers Collective; and Christian Smalls, a former Amazon employee who became an activist.

TC Sessions: Justice will take place virtually on March 3. Secure your tickets now!