Instacart Shoppers Plan Nationwide Strike Over COVID-19 Safety Concerns
Instacart delivery workers are organizing a massive strike to demand hazard pay and protective gear during the pandemic. The company responds by extending some financial benefits but fails to meet all worker demands.
Instacart shoppers organize a nationwide strike on March 30 to protest the company's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the Gig Workers Collective, these workers demand free personal protective equipment, a $5 hazard pay increase per order, and a default tip setting of 10%. They also want expanded sick leave for those with pre-existing conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus.
Workers state that they previously urge Instacart to provide basic safety supplies like hand sanitizer, but their requests go ignored. The strike takes place as Instacart plans to bring on 300,000 new independent contractors to handle a massive surge in grocery delivery demand. Strikers accuse the company of exploiting them and profiting immensely while they risk their lives on the front lines.
Instacart responds to the public pressure by extending its financial assistance program for workers through May 8 and expanding contactless delivery options for alcohol. However, the company does not meet all of the shoppers' demands. An Instacart spokesperson maintains that the health and safety of the community remains the company's top priority and claims they respect the workers' right to voice their concerns.