Dasher Strike on July 31: What Can Really Change Doordash?

You may have seen the notices on social media encouraging Dashers to join a strike on July 31.

Should Dashers strike? Obviously that's up to individuals to decide for themselves. But we'll talk about whether the strike can accomplish anything, and we'll get into what I think WOULD make a difference with Doordash.

You can visit the Episode page at Entrecourier.com/s2-e2

What we Talk About

The Strike.

Dashers are pissed. Some started a movement by sharing a post on social media encouraging drivers to boycott delivering for Doordash for one day on July 31.

Two major issues:

• Doordash hiding part of the tip on larger orders, not showing full payout
• Doordash lowering the minimum pay while gas prices increase

The bigger issue to me seems to be a lack of respect from Doordash of their contractors. Lying, spinning and being sleazy in how they deal with Dashers.

Why I don't think the strike will work.

One, it's poorly organized. A strike that's only made up of a few people who started spreading ideas on Facebook has no real chance of making a dent.

A bigger issue is that there's no real commitment in the strike. If people are only taking one day off and then willing to go back to all the things they're protesting, how is Doordash going to take that seriously?

Two, we are not employees.  In fact, Doordash isn't our boss, they're our customers. Businesses striking against their customers…   just doesn't make a lot of sense.

What's the best way to respond to Doordash?

Treat this like you're running a business. It's as simple as that.

Understand that being an independent contractor has its drawbacks:

• No guarantees
• No protection
• No fairness

The nature of the beast when running a business is that the customer will try to screw you. Doordash fits that narrative well.

Decide whether you want to be an employee or an independent contractor.

As an independent contractor it's all on you. The good news is, you have more control over your success. You don't have to rely on Doordash being fair, there are other options out there.

The bad news is that when running a business, there are no guarantees. Sometimes, the business model doesn't quite work out. 

If you don't like the bad that goes with being an independent contractor, don't be one.

If every person who wants the employee protection and guarantees takes that to heart and refuses to be an independent contractor, that will be the most effective way to change how Doordash operates. They won't have enough drivers. 

But if you want to be a contractor, take control, and quit relying on Doordash or any other gig to be fair.