Rich people are the worst tippers!

Of all the news happening around us in the gig economy these past few weeks, the big question seems to be “Is Lyft going to make it?”

May 17, 2023

Of all the news happening around us in the gig economy these past few weeks, the big question seems to be “Is Lyft going to make it?”

With a new CEO at the helm, early signs are pointing to a challenging future in store for Lyft. We’ll keep following developments on this story closely over the next few months, but it's tough to imagine a gig economy without Lyft, or at least without a big rideshare competitor to Uber in the market.

Perhaps most important is how this all relates to gig workers – The more competition and choice we have when choosing gigs, the more leverage we have to create a fair and equitable gig economy for its workers. Suffice it to say, there’s much room to improve.

Let’s get into the news this week...

Top Headlines

This week's top headlines from the Gig Economy

Lyft CEO announces the rideshare company is open to acquisition bids

Although he didn’t go as far as saying they were trying to sell, he hinted at the fact that the multi-billion dollar rideshare runner-up is not opposed to being acquired. This comes after a few years of tough competition from Uber, which has had a relatively successful time diversifying into food delivery and other businesses, meanwhile, Lyft remains exclusively focused on ridesharing.

To enhance community services and empower workers, local governments are building their own gig work platforms

It’s perhaps a little early to get too excited about this study, but it shows a trend towards gig work becoming an established way of how people work - even within the government. As the federal and state governments continue to debate the legal definition of “gig work” (independent contractor vs. employee), local governments around the country are experimenting with new ways to staff flexible roles, desperately needed on the front line of health care, education, transportation, and other fields. Is gig work becoming…mainstream?

‘Uber’s model pushed drivers like me to accept risks’: Uber shareholders reject driver-safety proposals

These are the types of headlines that make our blood boil. On the one hand, we get excited reading about shareholders advocating for structural changes within big gig companies. On the other, it’s very disappointing to see the bleak results of these efforts intended to increase safety for gig workers. Just another reminder that Uber may not always be on the side of its gig workers.

Some Uber and DoorDash drivers say rich people are the worst tippers, but they can count on the middle class

This is hardly a scientific study, but (gasp) the conclusion seems consistent with what we often hear. Naturally, gig workers rely on tips as a big part of their take-home pay - and some customers are better tippers than others. Why does it seem like the customers with the bigger houses and the seemingly expensive clothes are lousy tippers?! It’s almost like rich folks like to hold onto their money.

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Video Spotlight

Youtuber: Pedro DoorDash Santiago

(Subscribe to his channel here)

DoorDash Dashers: The WORST Customer Confrontation Ever! $5 Tip gone Wrong. Reaction Video

This is a tough one to watch. You have to feel for the driver, but this all feels a bit awkward and maybe inappropriate. Shame on you ROLANDO for taking that tip away…and Uber, get your s**t together!

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