The Technology 202: Coronavirus raises the stakes in new court fight for gig worker benefits

The Technology 202: Coronavirus raises the stakes in new court fight for gig worker benefits

The coronavirus pandemic is lending the battle over Uber and Lyft's classification of its drivers fresh urgency.. California is suing the companies for allegedly breaking a landmark state law that went into effect earlier this year that would reclassify many gig workers as employees, my colleague Faiz Siddiqui reports .. And the coronavirus crisis is shining a light on how these workers have more hurdles to accessing unemployment, and lack core legal protections and healthcare benefits despite the health risks they are taking on.. Uber and Lyft drivers with Rideshare Drivers United and the Transport Workers Union of America conduct a caravan protest outside the California Labor Commissioners office amidst the coronavirus pandemic (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images). "Uber and Lyft drivers who contract the coronavirus or lose their job quickly realize what they're missing.". The companies have taken steps to expand sick leave during the pandemic, but drivers have raised concerns that it's difficult to access.. Congress ensured that gig workers - such as Uber drivers and Airbnb hosts - were eligible for unemployment benefits under the coronavirus relief package.. Drivers have reported major issues or delays in accessing unemployment, despite their new