In recent years, gig work has been marketed as flexible, empowering, and profitable. But for many gig workers—especially uneducated Black and Brown individuals—the truth is far from that glossy image. Companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart have built billion-dollar empires on the backs of people they treat like disposable tools.

Low Pay, No Protection

Despite promises of “quick money,” the reality is that most gig workers earn well below minimum wage when you factor in gas, wear-and-tear on vehicles, and unpaid time waiting for orders. There’s no health insurance, no paid time off, no job security—just a constant grind for survival.

For a single mom in the Bronx or a young man in South Central L.A. with no college degree and few job options, gig work often feels like the only available lifeline. But it’s a lifeline that pulls them deeper into economic instability.

Targeting the Vulnerable

It’s no coincidence that many of these gig workers are Black and Brown people from under-resourced communities. Gig platforms rely heavily on these workers while doing little to protect them. Algorithms dictate who gets good orders. Tips can make or break a shift. And if a customer lies about a delivery? You could be deactivated without warning or the opportunity for an appeal. This isn’t flexibility. It’s exploitation.

The Tech Illusion

These companies hide behind flashy apps and “independent contractor” labels to dodge accountability. They don’t see workers—they see data points. When workers speak out, they’re ignored. When they organize, they’re punished. Meanwhile, tech executives become richer while drivers struggle to put gas in their tanks.

We Deserve Better

This system needs to change. There needs to be real wages, labor protections, and respect for the people doing the work that keeps cities moving and families fed.