On Wednesday, the Illinois Coalition for Independent Work launched to help elevate the voices and needs of Illinois’ app-based workers. The coalition aims to protect the independence and flexibility of app-based workers while also working to find legislative solutions to improve their access to benefits and other workforce protections. Flexibility and independence allow app-based workers like rideshare and delivery drivers to work around family needs, make extra money between jobs or school, or supplement other sources of income. Research shows that drivers nationally, by a margin of 4-to-1, want to remain independent, according to an independent poll from the Rideshare Guy.

The pandemic has further illuminated the necessity of independent work, with many turning to app-based services as a crucial source of income to provide for themselves and their families.  This style of work will become increasingly important as people get the vaccine and our economies recover but traditional jobs are slow to come back. A vast majority of the app-based workers in Illinois choose to work under 20 hours per week on the platforms. App-based workers have an overwhelming desire to maintain their flexibility and choose their own schedules, all while earning income. The coalition seeks not only to protect these workers and their flexibility but to also expand benefits and protections for workers across all demographics, ethnicities, and backgrounds in Illinois. Learn more about the Illinois Coalition for Independent Work at www.IndependentWorkIl.org