The Gig Economy
We are currently experiencing a growing epidemic of insecure work that has only been exacerbated by COVID-19.
The gig economy continues to be under-regulated, with vulnerable workers allowed to fall through the cracks. The fact that rideshare drivers are not paid an industry minimum wage, do not receive superannuation, sick days or insurance makes absolutely clear the need for more government regulation in this sector.
The CPV industry is made up largely of workers whose English may not be their first language, who are being paid significantly below the national minimum wage and do not have safe working conditions. We cannot let these individuals continue to be taken advantage of. It is not good enough that these workers receive no superannuation, no holiday pay, no sick pay, no penalty rates and no maternity or paternity leave.
Barton believes more needs to be done to ensure large corporations treat their workers fairly and with dignity. This begins with defining clear workplace rights for those in the gig economy.
“For too long these huge rideshare multinationals have been able to enter the Victorian market, exploit our communities and line their pockets with our hard-earned cash.”
I support:
An independent body designed to regulate the gig economy, enforce rules, and let workers bargain collectively.
Workers in the gig economy should be paid a living wage.
Participating corporations in the gig economy should be required to publish typical average take home earnings benchmarked against the minimum wage of $20.33 per hour.
