High Inflation Hurting San Diego Gig Workers – NBC 7 San Diego
[ad_1]
Many San Diegan people who depend on their cars for a living are feeling the effects of record inflation, largely due to high gasoline prices.
“Anything I can do in addition to earn a little more money, I’ll do, “said the food delivery agent Alex Silva.
Silva said she has been a personal shopper and food deliverer for six years, a job that fits well into her schedule as she also runs a side arts and crafts business. She’s been having pain from the pump lately.
“Five dollars a gallon is ridiculous,” said Silva. “All of our money goes into our gasoline, our wear and tear, and companies don’t pay for our gasoline miles.”
Similar to a car sharing agency, Silva accepts orders via a mobile app to pick up groceries or to do personal shopping for customers. Gigs like this rely on the worker to own their own vehicle and have their own gasoline, vehicle repairs, and auto insurance, costs that are more critical than ever in this time of high inflation.
“At one of my gigs, they actually pay me $ 7.50 to deliver from Chula Vista to Oceanside, and they don’t even pay $ 7.50 for my gas,” said Silva.
Rising gasoline prices are causing some drivers to rethink their jobs, but during a tough economic climate and before the holidays, Silva, like many others, will take on jobs for just a few extra dollars and the joy of helping others.
“When I see an order that contains baby food or baby items, I know that the family is having trouble getting into the store, so I take this order so that it doesn’t leave the house,” said Silva.
The latest consumer price index for October saw prices rise 6.2% year over year, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest increase in over 30 years.
“I love delivering to the elderly,” said Silva. “They are the cutest people. You are so grateful. Everyone is grateful, but the elders … I don’t want them to come into the store and I am happy to know that most of all they are safe. “
Since drivers are primarily considered to be independent contractors, many companies do not pay kilometers. Instead, drivers are encouraged to track mileage and submit for tax deduction.
[ad_2]
Source link