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A number of the #GigEconomy companies are offering discounts to #SNAP recipients in November. While this is almost certainly a strategic, not compassionate move it does help people who can’t shop for themselves and don’t have anyone who will shop for them.
However, please remember that your gig worker is still being exploited and are themselves often on food assistance. Gig companies pay extremely small amounts to workers, they absolutely depend on tips to meet their own basic needs.
For example, In 2023 I was working primarily for #UberEats, doing about 60+ hours a week. I working every weekend and holiday when trips were plentiful and tips were higher. On average, I drove 100 miles per day.
It was the best year I had doing gig work and I took home $35K, before taxes, of which, only 20% was paid directly by Uber themselves.
None of the gig companies I’ve worked for reimbursed for gas, wear and tear expenses or slow hours without any orders. You didn’t get sick time, there were no benefits. When someone broke into my car on Christmas while I was picking up food from a restaurant Uber’s only response was to suspend my account until I sent photos of my car having a new window.
If you can tip, please do tip, your driver is struggling too.