The Black Panther Movement

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The workers themselves were outraged at the absurdity of the use of race in this campaign, especially because many of them were also involved in the blacks lives matters movement. And so it was crazy to them that ober and lift were claiming to be anti racis company s and donating to, you know, criminal justice organizations, while trying to pass this law. They really felt like it was infuriating. I mean, people were really, really pissed off. In addition to having to constantly push back against the racial bene lent narratives that their employers were utilizing to pass sub minimum wage laws, or what i call racial wage codes,. The drivers banded ther and they did these amazing, just like such

Paris Marx is joined by Veena Dubal to discuss how Proposition 22 and the contract status of gig workers is reminiscent of the United States’ history of racial wage codes, which codified lower wages for Black workers.

Veena Dubal is a Professor of Law at UC Hastings. Follow Veena on Twitter at @veenadubal. Go back to episode 10 (May 21, 2020) for Veena’s first appearance on the podcast.

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Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.

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Read Veena’s essay on The New Racial Wage Code.
Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois had opposing philosophies for Black social and economic progress.
Robert C. Weaver and David Roediger wrote about differential wages.
Uber put up a billboard saying, “If you tolerate racism, delete Uber.” Drivers were not happy.
Uber and Lyft held up workers’ unemployment claims, and Lyft charged for PPE.
After Prop 22, gig companies raised fees despite promising not to, and workers reported earning even less money.
In August, Prop 22 was found to be unconstitutional.
New York City recently passed new protections for delivery couriers after organizing by Los Deliveristas Unidos.
Find out more about Rideshare Drivers United.