Activist Gig Workers Seek To Form Nonprofit To Support Fellow Workers
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Activist gig workers seek to form nonprofit to support fellow workers
A group of activist gig workers in California has launched a campaign to form a nonprofit organization that would provide mutual aid and advocacy for fellow workers in the gig economy. The group, called Gig Workers Rising, aims to raise $50,000 by the end of April to register as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit and hire staff to coordinate their efforts.
Gig Workers Rising is composed of current and former workers for companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and Amazon. The group has been involved in various campaigns to improve the working conditions and rights of gig workers, such as fighting against Proposition 22, a ballot measure that exempted app-based companies from classifying their workers as employees. The group also organizes protests, strikes, caravans and educational events to raise awareness and solidarity among gig workers.
The group says that forming a nonprofit would allow them to expand their reach and impact, as well as provide more resources and support for gig workers who face challenges such as low pay, lack of benefits, harassment, discrimination and deactivation. The group hopes to create a network of local chapters across the state and the country, and collaborate with other organizations that share their vision of a fair and dignified gig economy.
\"We believe that gig workers deserve respect, dignity and a voice on the job. We also believe that we are stronger together, and that we can achieve more by organizing and supporting each other. That's why we are launching this campaign to form a nonprofit that will empower gig workers to fight for their rights and interests,\" said Vanessa Bain, a co-founder of Gig Workers Rising and a former Instacart shopper.
The group is accepting donations through their website, www.gigworkersrising.org, and their social media platforms. They are also inviting gig workers and allies to join their movement and get involved in their activities.
One of the main goals of Gig Workers Rising is to advocate for the passage of the PRO Act, a federal bill that would protect the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively, and override state laws that prevent workers from being classified as employees. The group believes that the PRO Act would grant gig workers the basic labor protections and benefits that they are currently denied, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, health insurance, sick leave and unemployment insurance.
\"The PRO Act is the most important piece of legislation for gig workers right now. It would end the misclassification of gig workers as independent contractors and give us the power to unionize and negotiate better terms and conditions with our employers. It would also protect us from retaliation and discrimination for speaking up and organizing. We urge all gig workers and supporters to contact their representatives and senators and urge them to pass the PRO Act as soon as possible,\" said Edan Alva, a co-founder of Gig Workers Rising and a former Lyft driver.
Gig Workers Rising is also planning to launch a mutual aid fund that would provide financial assistance and other forms of support for gig workers who are in need or in crisis. The group says that many gig workers are struggling to make ends meet, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that they often lack access to social safety nets or community resources. The group hopes that the mutual aid fund would help gig workers cope with emergencies and hardships, such as medical bills, car repairs, rent payments or legal fees.
\"We know that gig workers are facing a lot of challenges and risks every day. We also know that many gig workers are isolated and lack support from their employers or the government. That's why we want to create a mutual aid fund that would allow gig workers to help each other and show solidarity. We believe that mutual aid is not charity, but a form of collective action and empowerment,\" said Lauren Casey, a co-founder of Gig Workers Rising and a current DoorDash driver. aa16f39245