Gig workers seemingly eligible for unemployment pay because of the pandemic have met roadblocks to filing. Some fault Labor Department rules.
Shortly after the Senate approved a huge stimulus bill in late March that made gig workers and other contractors eligible for unemployment assistance during the coronavirus pandemic, Uber’s chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, rejoiced on Twitter.
“Thanks to the Senate for supporting 1.3M @Uber drivers & delivery people,” he wrote. “Many independent workers are on the frontlines; all deserve support.”
But a variety of obstacles — including the difficulty of bringing decades-old state unemployment systems up to speed and strict eligibility guidelines from the Labor Department — have left most drivers unable to take advantage so far.
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