Student Testimonial
Dear Donor,
I am a student at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy. I’m writing to you about the gig economy and the negative impact it has on those working within it. I believe that you have the power to help organizations that are fighting for a better and fairer economy for everyone.
I have worked with companies running the gig economy as both a gig worker and consultant. During times between jobs, I turned to gig economy work as a short-term way to support myself. My experiences ranged from making a small amount of money on the side, to barely being able to get hours, to watching fellow contracted employees get fired for speaking up. It was very clear that my work was not valued, despite being the very foundation of each company’s model. During my time as a consultant, I worked with executives and lobbyists, filing their paperwork and tracking the politicians they spoke to. I was treated with respect, and it was clear that my work here was highly valued, despite its distance from day-to-day operations.
The contrast in experiences was further highlighted by the attitudes of those I worked with. As a consultant, my requests were honored and my opinion was respected. I received timely help with my projects, and the employees I worked with spoke to me as an equal. By contrast, as a gig worker, I was treated with disdain and condescension. My requests were ignored or actively belittled, and the threat of “at will employment” used as a cudgel against anyone speaking up; after a number of my colleagues lodged a complaint, they were unceremoniously let go the next week.
My time at both these positions allowed me to see the colossal power imbalance between those working within the gig economy, and those fighting to keep the system in place. Fortunately, the workers are not alone. There are organizations fighting to level the playing field and improve the lives of those struggling within the system, but the obstacles are immense. This is where your support comes in. Below are some organizations making a difference:
National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) The NDWA advocates for fair labor standards and rights for domestic workers, including those engaged in the gig economy. The organization supports campaigns for better wages, benefits, and protections for gig workers, ensuring their voices are heard in policy discussions.
Future of Work Initiative (Aspen Institute) The Future of Work Initiative focuses on developing policies that support workers in non-traditional employment arrangements, including gig workers. The initiative conducts research and collaborates with policymakers to create solutions for an evolving workforce.
Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) The CDT advocates for robust data privacy protections and transparency in digital platforms. Their work on platform accountability and fair algorithmic practices is particularly relevant to the gig economy.
Upwork for Good Upwork’s social impact initiative focuses on empowering freelancers by providing access to resources, training, and support. They also partner with organizations to promote sustainable practices in the gig economy.
By helping to support these organizations and their causes, you can directly help those working within the gig economy to gain leverage against an unjust system.
Thank you for your effort in making the world for workers a better and more stable place.
Sincerely,
Jason Tomczak
Master’s Candidate, McCourt School of Public Policy
Georgetown University