Charles Russell was entering the restroom in a Publix supermarket when he heard "clicking sounds" coming from the bathroom stall. Then he saw an AR-15-style rifle leaning against the wall.
In this lockdown, low-wage workers have been publicly declared "essential" — up there with doctors and nurses. But the workers say their pay, benefits and protections don't reflect it.
Gig companies like Instacart and Uber promise financial assistance to workers affected by the coronavirus. But some workers are finding it hard to get that aid.
Amazon workers in New York and Instacart workers nationwide plan to walk off their jobs Monday. They want more access to paid sick leave as well as protective gear and other safety measures.
The grocery-delivery app faces a new wave of discontent. Working for an algorithm means tweaks can upend a livelihood — and being a faster, nicer, more experienced worker doesn't guarantee better pay.
After two master's degrees and three children, Hilary Gordon is one of the women who now make up more than half of the contractors at food delivery apps like Instacart. NPR spent a day with her.
