Employment lawyer on wage increase for app based gig workers

Interview Summary

The Ontario government has announced that they will introduce legislation that gives rights to app-based gig workers, particularly a wage increase. What will this mean for drivers and workers going forward?

Lior Samfiru, a Toronto employment lawyer and national co-managing Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins Kelly Cutrara on Global News Radio 640 Toronto to answer this question and more.

Interview Notes

• What does this legislation mean for gig workers?
• Are there any red flags concerning the new legislation for workers?
• Has a common complaint from workers been that tips were withheld by their employers?
• Will a recurring pay period have to take place now for all gig workers?
• What is the intention behind Uber’s wage proposal and recent worker protection announcements?
• Is it surprising that there is no mention of termination pay in this legislation?
• Is it more difficult to include a benefits package into this legislation?
• Ultimately what is the takeaway for app-based workers regarding this proposed legislation?