Gig Workers Push for Protections

Gig workers like Uber drivers and Postmates cyclists are still hoping to get protections passed in the New York State legislature, even though the future of the session is unknown. After state lawmakers passed a budget earlier this month, Gov. Cuomo said the session is essentially over because legislators will have to comply with social distancing guidelines. But Senate majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins says the body will continue to meet and vote virtually. 

Gig workers are still hoping the New York state legislature will pass a law to give them protections. Advocates say these protections are more important than ever as gig works are at the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. Mario Cilento, president of the New York State AFL-CIO, said “If you are a gig worker and you’re out there now, you are doing God’s work. You are now not only there to provide for yourself and your family, you’re helping us all as a society.”

Gig workers are not eligible for things like overtime, vacation days, or collective bargaining. And many are not covered by workers compensation, or health and safety regulations. But labor groups like the New York State AFL-CIO  are working to pass these protections in Albany. Cilento says he hopes lawmakers will address this issue as soon as they reconvene.