Instacart said it may not be able to continue operating in Seattle if a law requiring hazard pay for delivery workers passes next week. The grocery delivery company warned customers about the “unconstitutional legislation” in an email urging them to write to the Seattle City Council in opposition to the bill. “Your access to same-day grocery delivery is at risk,” Instacart said.
The warning comes at a time when thousands of people are using grocery delivery services to avoid exposure to the coronavirus.
The legislation Instacart is fighting would require gig economy companies to pay Seattle drivers $5 for each delivery or ride they provide, on top of their regular rates. The hazard pay is intended to offset costs and risks that drivers are dealing with during the pandemic, like acquiring protective gear and cleaning vehicles between trips.
Council members Andrew Lewis and Lisa Herbold introduced the emergency legislation in May. If adopted, it would take effect immediately and remain in place until Seattle is no longer in a state of emergency due to COVID.
The hazard pay would apply to gig workers who provide services in Seattle for food delivery, grocery delivery, and ride-sharing companies with more than 250 workers worldwide. A vote on the bill is planned for Monday.
Uber and Lyft expressed concerns about the bill when it was introduced. Lyft said the legislation could jeopardize drivers’ eligibility for federal relief authorized in the coronavirus stimulus packages.
Demand for Instacart’s service has increased more than 300% year-over-year as as the pandemic has caused many customers to avoid traditional grocery shopping. Instacart is hiring thousands of new employees and shoppers to keep up with demand, TechCrunch reports. Instacart is also dealing with unrest among its existing shoppers. Workers who deliver groceries for Instacart organized a strike in March demanding personal protective equipment and hazard pay.
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June 11, 2020 at 04:39AM
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Instacart threatens to pull out of Seattle if new hazard pay law passes - GeekWire
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