CGA

As a Deliverista, when I read that op-ed, I felt I had no choice but to speak up — especially when corporations try to silence us for simply demanding basic rights. Let me be clear: that op-ed is full of lies. It was written to defend @Instacart and attack workers like me. Let’s be honest: NYC’s grocery app delivery workers have no labor protections. Like me, thousands of workers risk our lives every day — and still have to fight just to earn minimum pay. That’s why we count on the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (@helloDCWP). At a time when the federal government has abandoned us and chosen to protect corporations over workers, @helloDCWP is often the only labor agency we can rely on to defend our rights in New York City. The claim that minimum pay will raise grocery prices? That’s just fear-mongering. These companies are making billions. They can afford to pay workers fairly without pushing costs onto families. Don’t insult New Yorkers by pretending fairness is too expensive. And the lie that jobs will disappear if workers earn a living wage? I’ve seen the truth: these apps use deactivations to get rid of workers they don’t want to pay. They choose profit over people. That’s why we need deactivation protections and just cause. Let’s be clear: @Instacart is trying to confuse the public, divide workers, and protect a business model built on underpaying us and forcing us to live off tips. Thank you to NYC Council Members @SandyforCouncil and @CMJenGutierrez for your courage and leadership. We see you — and we’re not backing down. — Gustavo Ajche, Deliverista and leader of @LosDeliveristas and @workersjusticep