The gig economy continues to evolve, with Pennsylvania taking a step forward in addressing the issue of benefits for gig workers. The state has launched a six-month pilot program in collaboration with DoorDash to provide portable benefits for gig economy workers [e64cd517].
The program aims to empower workers by allowing Pennsylvanians who meet an earnings threshold on the DoorDash platform to receive extra money toward benefits. The principles guiding the program are that benefits should be proportional, flexible, and portable. Pennsylvania recognizes the importance of enabling workers to choose how they want to work without sacrificing their security [e64cd517].
The gig economy has experienced significant growth, with app-based platforms contributing significantly to the U.S. economy in 2022. However, outdated laws have discouraged companies from offering benefits to independent contractors. Pennsylvania's pilot program serves as a starting point and a roadmap for other states to consider, as they explore ways to provide benefits for gig workers [e64cd517].