Pluralistic: Workplace "flexibility" isn't (11 Jul 2026)

The blog post critiques the concept of 'flexibility' in the gig economy, arguing that it often serves as a guise for risk-shifting by companies like Uber and Lyft onto their workers. It highlights how gig companies exploit information asymmetry and algorithmic pricing to diminish drivers' earnings while claiming to offer flexibility. The author supports this by referencing an analysis by David Weil, illustrating how the gig economy's structure allows companies to offload operational risks to their workers, contrasting it with traditional businesses where employers bear more risk. The post also discusses innovative labor organizing strategies and critiques laws that hinder workers from effectively fighting against exploitation.