For the past two years, I’ve spoken with dozens of full-time Uber and Lyft drivers in Seattle to get an on-the-ground understanding of how the technologies supporting the platform-based gig economy are affecting workers.
Researchers have found that many of its drivers do in fact enjoy this flexibility as most use Uber or Lyft infrequently as a side gig – or until they have earned the promotional bonus. But many others – perhaps as many as two-thirds in some areas – rely on it as their largest source of income. The research is part of my ongoing examination of the media’s role in labour management, a project that looks at how managers have used different types of media – from film that showcased efficient manual workers back in the early 20th century to today’s apps and algorithms – to nudge workers to be more productive.
The three stories below are typical of the other 60. All names are pseudonyms to protect them from retaliation.Ayele, a middle-aged married father of two who’s been driving for Uber and Lyft for more than six years and currently works only for the Uber Black luxury service, estimates that more than half of the 80-plus hours he’s on the app each week is spent waiting for a fare. He says there are days where he’s spent as many as 16 hours on call in order to get just a few passengers.
He told me he joined the union because the rising number of drivers and falling incomes made him realise “there is a necessity to be united”.
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