Gig Workers Gather Their Own Data to Check the Algorithm’s Math

Summary

Gig workers from Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash are creating tools to verify their pay against company algorithms independently. One such tool, UberCheats by Armin Samii, helps workers identify pay discrepancies by comparing actual travel distances with the distances for which they are paid. Additionally, initiatives like Driver’s Seat Cooperative and WeClock are emerging. Driver’s Seat allows gig workers to collectively analyze and profit from their data, while WeClock helps track work conditions and wages. These tools reflect a growing trend among gig workers towards transparency and fair compensation in the face of opaque corporate algorithms.