Some Instacart workers plan to go on strike today, arguing that the grocery delivery unicorn’s recent increases in pay and safety equipment are insufficient.
Why it matters: Instacart has become a lifeline for many Americans either unable or unwilling to leave their homes, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.
What’s happening: It’s unclear how many drivers plan to strike today, as the organizer intentionally doesn’t keep lists (because contractors don’t have legal protections from “employer” retaliation) and past gig economy strikes have been more successful on noise than numbers.
- The strike also comes at a time when Instacart’s workforce is surging — to meet increased orders, including efforts to provide softer landings to recently furloughed or laid-off employees from industries like travel and hospitality (expect some company-specific announcements on that soon).
- It’s also worth noting that the two sides seem to negotiate via blog posts, rather than directly, which has led to some miscommunication.