As European Union Considers Gig Worker Protections, Rideshare and Delivery Drivers to Caravan and Rally at Consulates Across Los Angeles on Global Day of Action
Gig Companies’ Attempt to Undercut Worker Rights in the Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic Prompts Global Day of Action in 15 Countries; European Commission Set to Rule on Companies’ Attempt to Push Prop 22-Style Legislation Internationally
LOS ANGELES — Rideshare and delivery drivers with Mobile Workers Alliance, in partnership with driver groups from 15 countries, will participate in a Global Day of Action this Wednesday in direct response to the draft directive on gig worker rights by the European Commission.
After spending a record-breaking $200 million+ to pass Prop 22 in California and rewrite labor law to permanently deny drivers basic rights like paid sick leave, overtime pay and workers’ compensation, Uber, Lyft, and other gig giants have set their sights on exporting the same predatory legislation to countries around the world.
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, gig companies have leaned on Prop 22 to continue undercutting worker rights, slashing pay and forcing drivers to clean and sanitize their vehicles on their own time between rides, totaling hours of work each week for which they are not paid.
Drivers in Los Angeles and San Francisco will caravan and rally at EU-member consulates in both cities, delivering letters urging representatives from those countries to defend employee rights for gig workers and end unjust misclassification as “independent contractors.”
The Global Day of Action comes on the heels of a landmark decision by the UK Supreme Court ruling that drivers are, in fact, employees and deserve the appropriate protections.
Workers in the EU will be rallying in front of their respective EU offices – including outside the building where the European Commission will meet in Brussels. Workers in other countries will engage in solidarity actions and car/bike caravans to European consulates in their cities.
February 24th has been designated a Global Day of Action by Alianza Unidos World Action, a global coalition of 30+ driver groups from more than 13 countries fighting for the recognition of labor rights and to improve working conditions in the digital platform economy.
WHO: Rideshare and delivery drivers with Mobile Workers Alliance
WHAT: Car caravan and rally at EU consulates across Los Angeles
WHEN: Wednesday, February 24 at 10 AM
WHERE: Consulate General of France
10390 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90025
VISUALS: Cars decorated with pro-worker signage, flags, and banners
Mobile Workers Alliance is an organization of more than 20,000 California rideshare and delivery drivers fighting for improved working conditions and union rights for gig economy workers.
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CONTACT: Roxane Marquez, (213) 705-1078
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