Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> Gig economy jobs were never meant to be people's bread and butter

This is the same talking point people use when arguing against raising wages for retail or fast food workers.

Reality shows that, like retail jobs, gig economy jobs are many Americans' bread and butter. Pandora's box has already been opened.

> Also if the price went up much people wouldn't pay for it anymore.

Doubt it. Investor money allows gig economy companies to undercut their competition. Five years ago I could get across town for $5 via Uber or Lyft. Now, the costs average to about $18 for the same trip. I doubt that my driver's compensation more than tripled during that time like my trip's cost did.

There's plenty of room for gig economy workers to increase their pay. Companies that take poverty-level pay for their workers as a given, like Uber, might not survive, but other players will pop up in that space to eat their lunch.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: