‘It’s Definitely Backfiring’: Seattle Ordinance Intended to Help App Delivery Workers Is ‘Hurting’ Them
6th February 2024
What used to be considered “hotspots” for workers on those apps, feel a little colder since Jan. 13, according to several drivers we heard from. That includes Gary Lardizabal, a longtime, app-based, food delivery driver in Seattle.
“Sundays before the ordinance,” Lardizabal. “You know, we’d be thinking breakfast. Today, I didn’t even touch it. They’re not going to order. It is definitely backfiring.”
Since the ordinance went into effect last month, Mia Shagen said her delivery opportunities have been slashed.
“I’ve got nothin,” Shagen said. “I’m not gonna sit here for hours for one frickin’ order.”
Even on typically busy delivery days, groups of drivers can be seen waiting around together in groups in high-density restaurant areas.
“Instead of it stopping at 2:30 or 3:00, it’s stopping at like one o’clock, sometimes even a little bit before,” Shagen said. “So literally at like one o’clock, suddenly, there are no orders anymore.”
Gee, you’d think that raising the price would cut the demand or something! What’s up with that?
Pass a law, fix a problem! That’s all it takes, right? “Think it through!” said no politician, ever.