FWIW generally exploiting the government is a source of value for a lot of companies. I wouldn’t limit this to just gig economy start-ups (although it’s a fascinating case).
Take Wal-mart, whose employees are paid so low and have so few benefits they may require government assistance from housing, food, to healthcare. [1]
Additionally season businesses like construction and landscaping business dynamics are essentially built on government subsidies. Every summer they hire hourly workers during peak building season and then in the winter lay them off so they can cut costs during the less busy season. Since the employees get laid off, they collect unemployment. [2]
Take Wal-mart, whose employees are paid so low and have so few benefits they may require government assistance from housing, food, to healthcare. [1]
Additionally season businesses like construction and landscaping business dynamics are essentially built on government subsidies. Every summer they hire hourly workers during peak building season and then in the winter lay them off so they can cut costs during the less busy season. Since the employees get laid off, they collect unemployment. [2]
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2014/04/15/report-...
[2] https://www.zenefits.com/workest/firing-vs-layoff-know-the-d...