As attempts to unionize traditional workplaces fail, union membership — particularly in the private-sector — continues to decline. As a result, union-backed worker centers focused on organizing gig-economy workers have become more prevalent. Below are some of the key labor-backed groups that are leading this movement, and examples of which unions are backing them.
Working Washington
This group received $1,708,259 from labor unions between 2017-2019. Working Washington is also an affiliate of the Center for Popular Democracy, a nationwide umbrella aid group for state and local worker centers, which also receives significant support from labor ($3,724,879 between 2017-2019).
Examples of payments to Working Washington from labor unions between 2017-2019:
*This is an example of funding and is not exhaustive.
Working Partnerships USA
This group received $342,944 from labor unions between 2017-2019. Working Partnerships is an affiliate of the Partnership for Working Families, which similarly has a network of state and local worker centers. It receives significant labor support ($693,000 between 2017-2019).
Examples of payments to Working Partnerships USA and its affiliates from labor unions between 2017-2019:
*This is an example of funding and is not exhaustive.
Jobs with Justice
This group and its affiliates received $3,662,338 from labor unions between 2017-2019. Jobs with Justice has local affiliates that partner with Gig Workers Rising — a popular gig-worker organizing app utilized by worker centers. Jobs with Justice San Francisco works closely with GWR and other worker centers to organize gig workers.
Examples of payments to Jobs with Justice and its affiliates from labor unions between 2017-2019:
*This is an example of funding and is not exhaustive.
All data is pulled from financial filings with the Department of Labor.
How are Workers Responding?
Recent gig worker strikes coordinated by these worker centers have been met with mixed success. According to Axios, a strike that took place in March 2020 had “absolutely no impact” on one gig company’s operations. Amazon also reported a similarly minimal impact on its operations. Several gig workers took to local media to say they’d be sitting the strike out.
Similar to fast food and tipped restaurant employees, it seems gig workers aren’t interested in being organized by these front groups. Whether in news reports or on social media, gig workers have spoken up against calls to strike.
“They’re [gig company] not an employer… They’re a way for me to make extra money.”
“I’ve seen them try this [striking] dozens of times for one reason or another…There will always be people like me who do need and want the money. We’ll always work.”
“I’m not going to strike. I’m unemployed, and need the deliveries to supplement my unemployment insurance, so I can pay my mortgage, and other bills.”
“You have been gaslighted by the gig workers collective.”