> The problem is that Uber currently exerts so much control over its "independent contractor" relationships that they have become, as a matter of law, employment relationships.
Sure, this could be true.
But people should recognize that a possible solution to this, is for companies to provide more flexibility and control to these people, such that they stay contractor but also get the additional contractor benefits, as opposed to forcing the employee relationship.
This would likely involve allowing drivers to set their own rates or handing over driver allocation responsibilities to another party. It’s really hard to envision a world where Uber hands over those kinds of abilities to someone. Companies like this rely on owning and setting the conditions of a market to keep prices competitive.
Why? Uber could easily set up an auction system similar to how Google auctions off ad space. And Google is certainly happy with the amount of control they retain.
Sure, this could be true.
But people should recognize that a possible solution to this, is for companies to provide more flexibility and control to these people, such that they stay contractor but also get the additional contractor benefits, as opposed to forcing the employee relationship.