The fact that other companies do unethical or illegal things is not a defense, in my book.
Then call them out and boycott them too...
My major issue with these companies is that they gained a unfair advantage over their competitors (taxi companies) by breaking the law. If your business model is based on fraud, you shouldn't be in business.
That's a legitimate complaint, and it's exactly what Uber and Lyft did. They violated local for-hire regulations and established their business outside of those regulations.
Their counter-argument would be that violating those local regulations was the only way to penetrate a totally corrupt system that took advantage of both consumers and the drivers who worked for those companies.
But, did they violate local laws and regulations? You betcha.
In order to get around labor laws, ride share companies fraudulently (in my view) categorize their drivers are independent contractors.
We ARE independent contractors.
When I ran my own consulting business, I used my own equipment, office space, other resources, etc to provide services to my clients. I paid the overhead of acquiring and maintaining the equipment I used. I worked for whom I chose, when I chose, where I chose, for contracted consideration. If at any time they were not happy with me, they could terminate the relationship without cause. So could I.
As an Uber/Lyft driver, I use my own car, pay for all the expenses of the vehicle, my accountant's fees and other administrative costs. I work when and where I choose. I freely select which rides I will or will not accept. After acceptance, I am free to cancel any ride without completion. I can terminate any ride at any time for any reason. I get paid a contracted rate. Either I or the companies can terminate the relationship at any time for no reason. How is that not independent contracting?
The independent contractor argument is used by folks who WANT to be employees -- because they want employee pay and benefits. But the truth is, they don't want to give up the flexibility of independent contracting.
There are, incidentally, full-time employment opportunities with both companies for drivers who want to become employees, and Uber also provides educational/job training (coding) opportunities for drivers who want to take advantage of them.
There IS a REAL legal distinction question with these companies, but "independent contractor" is not it.
The REAL legitimate issue is whether they should be classified at
"technology" companies or
transportation providers. The companies, of course, insist they are simply technology companies providing the connection between driver and rider...which IS actually all they do.
