Letter to the Editor: A Social Compact for Gig Economy Workers

In response to a New York Times editorial, Andrew and his frequent collaborator, David Beier, issue a call for redefining what it means to be a worker. The new definition must include a set of shared principles which address both worker and company concerns, spanning healthcare, education and training. The LTE reads as follows:

To the Editor:

Your editorial describes the perils workers face in the gig economy. These include low wages, long hours and a lack of benefits. What the editorial is missing, however, is a focus on sustainable policy solutions to the perils. Lawsuits and legislation deal with the symptoms — not the causes — of worker maltreatment.

Moving forward, we will need to redefine what it means to be a worker. The new definition should include a set of shared principles, a social compact. This social compact should address worker priorities: health benefits, retirement schemes, education and training. It should also address company priorities: scheduling flexibility and controlling health care costs. Representatives of business, workers and government should work together to write the compact, which should act as the foundation for a legal framework for employment.

We applaud The Times for putting a spotlight on the gig economy’s impact on workers. But we need long-term solutions to this challenge. The future of our economy depends on getting this right.

ANDREW SULLIVAN
DAVID BEIER
SAN FRANCISCO

Kim Ryu / New York Times