Author discusses upcoming book about workplace issues for gig workers

Author Jonathan Rigsby appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about his upcoming book Drive, which he wrote to highlight the issues he’s faced as a part-time gig worker and what needs to be done to help drivers avoid being taken advantage of by ride-share companies.

Rigsby detailed his job as a crime intelligence analyst for Florida. He discussed how his work with the Department of Child Services led to him getting a job with the counter-terrorism division, where his ability to speak Arabic led to working on many high-profile incidents. This led to him moving on to a new position where he dealt with non-identified missing person cases. To ensure he could provide for his family, he picked up work as a ride-share driver in 2016, leading to the development of his book, Drive.

In his book, he outlines the role of a gig worker in the American workforce and what makes these workers vulnerable. Rigsby discussed what it means to be classified as an independent contractor and why drivers with ride-share companies have little control over their work. He outlines the issues with wages and pay for these drivers and why they aren’t being compensated as they should be. 

Finally, Rigsby discussed the studies that analyze pay and work for gig workers across America. He discussed how they found that the ride-share companies target individuals who have just come to America or younger drivers. By targeting these individuals, the displayed hourly wages in job advertisements for drivers are misleading, and there are no protections for drivers, he said. The misclassification of gig workers is a problem, and Rigsby hopes these workers can negotiate for better pay and protections. 

Listen to the entire episode to learn more, then pick up a copy after it releases on May 14 by going here.