The Feasibility of Gig Workers' Livelihoods: Can They Truly Make a Living?

Owner OperatorsBehind the WheelComplianceNuts & Bolts
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

🚴‍♀️ The Feasibility of Gig Workers' Livelihoods: Can They Truly Make a Living?

The definition and viability of gig workers remain hotly contested topics, with ongoing debates regarding their classification and the potential exploitation of the gig economy model. While platforms like Uber and Airbnb popularized gig work, it has long been prevalent in supply chains, particularly with truck owner-operators. California's Proposition 22 sparked a legal battle over the status of independent contractors, raising questions about worker benefits and job security. In this episode, Bob Bowman, Editor-in-Chief of SupplyChainBrain, engages in a conversation with Kashyap Deorah, the CEO of HyperTrack, to delve into the complexities of the issue and explore potential solutions that strike a balance between workers and employers in the gig economy.

Read more from Supply Chain Brain ▶

Featured
FedEx and UPS Tackle Tough Decisions Amidst Market Shifts
FedEx and UPS Tackle Tough Decisions Amidst Market Shifts

In the fast-paced world of logistics, FedEx and UPS are making some big changes.

Sanders Proposes 32-Hour Workweek Legislation
Sanders Proposes 32-Hour Workweek Legislation

Senator Bernie Sanders introduced legislation to cut the standard U.S. workweek from 40 to 32 hours over four years, without reducing pay.

Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe's Challenge Constitutionality of Labor Board in Legal Battles
Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe's Challenge Constitutionality of Labor Board in Legal Battles

Amazon, along with SpaceX and Trader Joe's, is challenging the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in legal filings.

Cruise Sheds 900 Jobs and Refocuses Strategy Amid Challenges, While Waymo Expands
Cruise Sheds 900 Jobs and Refocuses Strategy Amid Challenges, While Waymo Expands

Cruise, the robotaxi company, has announced the layoff of 900 employees following the firing of nine executives amid the fallout from an October incident involving a pedestrian.

US Job Growth Slows in October as Auto Strikes Impact Manufacturing Payrolls
US Job Growth Slows in October as Auto Strikes Impact Manufacturing Payrolls

In October, U.S. job growth decelerated partly due to strikes by the United Auto Workers (UAW) against major Detroit car manufacturers, resulting in a drop in manufacturing payrolls.

U.A.W. President Urges Labor Unions to Unite in Contract Negotiations for Collective Strength
U.A.W. President Urges Labor Unions to Unite in Contract Negotiations for Collective Strength

The United Automobile Workers (U.A.W.) president, Shawn Fain, has proposed that other labor unions align their contract expirations with the U.A.W., emphasizing solidarity in collective bargaining efforts.

Gen Z and Millennials Prioritize Flexibility and Fulfillment in Work-Life Balance
Gen Z and Millennials Prioritize Flexibility and Fulfillment in Work-Life Balance

Young professionals like Gen Z and millennials are redefining work-life balance, seeking greater flexibility, remote work options, and more time for personal pursuits.

US Detains $1.7 Billion in Shipments Under Forced Labor Law
US Detains $1.7 Billion in Shipments Under Forced Labor Law

One year after the enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), a Kharon report reveals that approximately $1.7 billion worth of shipments destined for the United States have been detained.

UAW's Wage Demands: A Closer Look at CEO Pay Raises
UAW's Wage Demands: A Closer Look at CEO Pay Raises

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has been using CEO pay increases as a central argument in their negotiations with Detroit's three major automakers.

UPS-Teamsters Deal May Heighten Wage Pressure Across Logistics Industry
UPS-Teamsters Deal May Heighten Wage Pressure Across Logistics Industry

The recently ratified labor contract between UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is expected to exert wage pressure on other logistics companies, including FedEx.

Canada Takes a Stand Against Forced Labor with New Supply Chain Ethics Act
Canada Takes a Stand Against Forced Labor with New Supply Chain Ethics Act

On May 11, 2023, Canada passed the Fighting Against Forced Labor and Child Labor in Supply Chains Act, which requires Canadian businesses to demonstrate due diligence in minimizing the risks of forced and child labor in their supply chains.

Proposed Overtime Rule by DOL Suggests $55K Threshold with Automatic 3-Year Updates
Proposed Overtime Rule by DOL Suggests $55K Threshold with Automatic 3-Year Updates

The historical activist roots of the Labor Day holiday are particularly evident this year, with labor unions actively challenging working conditions across various industries.

Amid Strikes and Fresh Union Contracts, Labor Day Celebrates Strong Organizational Roots This Year
Amid Strikes and Fresh Union Contracts, Labor Day Celebrates Strong Organizational Roots This Year

International distributor NRS Logistics has announced plans to construct its inaugural North American facility in Casa Grande, Arizona.

UPS Attracts Job Seekers with $170,000 Driver Pay After Union Victory
UPS Attracts Job Seekers with $170,000 Driver Pay After Union Victory

Since securing a $30 billion contract over five years, United Parcel Service (UPS) has experienced a surge in interest from job seekers.

Why Should CEOs Earn 300 Times More Than Their Workers?
Why Should CEOs Earn 300 Times More Than Their Workers?

The United Auto Workers (UAW) is demanding a 40% raise for its members over the next four years, matching the 40% compensation increase that CEOs of major automakers have received during the same period.

Survey Reveals Decline in Seafarers' Happiness and Working Conditions
Survey Reveals Decline in Seafarers' Happiness and Working Conditions

A recent survey conducted by Mission to Seafarers reveals a notable decline in the happiness of the world's seafarers in the second quarter, with working and living conditions lagging below pre-pandemic standards.

Labor Department Initiates Program Aimed at Reducing Warehouse Injuries
Labor Department Initiates Program Aimed at Reducing Warehouse Injuries

The Department of Labor has launched a three-year "national emphasis program" aimed at improving workplace hazard prevention in warehouses, distribution centers, processing facilities, and high-risk retail establishments.

Solutions for a Skilled Workforce
Solutions for a Skilled Workforce

The trucking industry is grappling with a shortage of technicians, and traditional approaches to recruitment and retention have yielded limited results.

Supply Chain Transparency and Accountability Gain Traction in the Fight Against Forced Labor
Supply Chain Transparency and Accountability Gain Traction in the Fight Against Forced Labor

The drive for supply chain transparency and accountability in combating forced labor has gained momentum, with consumers, governments, and businesses taking action.

Labor Issues Continue to Impact US Container Imports, According to Port Tracker Report
Labor Issues Continue to Impact US Container Imports, According to Port Tracker Report

The Port Tracker report, published by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, highlights labor concerns as a significant factor in assessing the state of US-bound container imports.

Autonomous driving curtails driver shortage
Autonomous driving curtails driver shortage

The trucking industry is facing a significant driver shortage, leading to increased costs, longer delivery times, and reduced productivity.

OOIDA Urges President Biden to Seek New Department of Labor Nominee
OOIDA Urges President Biden to Seek New Department of Labor Nominee

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has called on President Joe Biden to find a new nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Labor.

ABF's latest labor agreement entails a gradual $6.50 per hour wage hike implemented by 2027 
ABF's latest labor agreement entails a gradual $6.50 per hour wage hike implemented by 2027 

ABF Freight System has disclosed the details of its recently reached tentative agreement with its unionized workforce.

Stabilization of Trucking Parts and Labor Expenses Observed in First Quarter Report
Stabilization of Trucking Parts and Labor Expenses Observed in First Quarter Report

Trucking sector expenses for parts and labor have shown signs of stabilization in the first quarter of 2023, according to a report from the American Trucking Associations (ATA)'s Technology & Maintenance Council and Decisiv Inc.

Operations at the Port of Seattle have been suspended due to a clash between the ILWU and the PMA
Operations at the Port of Seattle have been suspended due to a clash between the ILWU and the PMA

Cargo operations at the Port of Seattle have been halted due to coordinated work actions led by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), according to a tweet from the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), which represents terminal operators.

Manufacturing firms express concerns about interest rates and a shortage of talent
Manufacturing firms express concerns about interest rates and a shortage of talent

A recent study conducted by Sikich, a Chicago consulting firm, reveals low optimism among manufacturing industry leaders due to rising interest rates, economic challenges, and a talent shortage.

Julie Su, the nominee for Labor Secretary, remains under scrutiny regarding AB5
Julie Su, the nominee for Labor Secretary, remains under scrutiny regarding AB5

Julie Su, President Biden's nominee for Labor Secretary, faced additional scrutiny during her testimony before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding her role in California's controversial worker classification law, AB5.

West Coast Ports Face Congestion as Labor Dispute Causes Ship Backlog, Risking Supply Chain Disruption
West Coast Ports Face Congestion as Labor Dispute Causes Ship Backlog, Risking Supply Chain Disruption

Labor fight at West Coast ports leads to ship congestion and rising commercial shipping prices, posing a risk of supply chain disruptions and potential shortages or higher prices.

Freight Railroad Alert Level Raised Amid Growing Concerns
Freight Railroad Alert Level Raised Amid Growing Concerns

West Coast port tensions and slowdowns caused by labor disputes are spreading congestion to freight railroads, raising concerns for the supply chain.

Insights from New Survey: Decline in Job Seekers for Truck Driving Positions
Insights from New Survey: Decline in Job Seekers for Truck Driving Positions

A recent survey conducted by the Conversion Interactive Agency and People. Data. Analytics (PDA) sheds light on the current state of the truck driving job market.

Jennifer Joslyn
Previous

Steadying the Ship: Apple iPhone Supply Finds Stability Following Disruptions in China
Next

DHL anticipates a demand rebound in the second half of the year, leading companies to make optimistic bets