In the midst of confusion and frustration in regards to job security, the coronavirus crisis has forced the closure of more than 800 courthouses across the country. These closures have impacted the lives of rideshare drivers, such as drivers for Lyft and Uber, and have prevented many from earning a living wage through ridesharing.
This is due to the fact that Lyft and Uber make use of routine background checks, both during the sign up process and periodically throughout employment. The closure of courthouses has prevented these background checks from occurring in a timely manner, causing Lyft and Uber to suspend their drivers with little to no warning until their background check is complete. While a few months of suspension from ridesharing may sound like nothing more than a minor inconvenience, it has proven to be a major source of fear and anxiety for those who rely on ridesharing as a prime source of income.
Lauren Casey of Gig Workers Rising, an advocacy group fighting for employment benefits for gig workers, said of companies such as Lyft and Uber, “For months these companies have made it difficult for drivers to access unemployment insurance, and now at a time when many are left with no choice but to get back on the road, this roadblock is another kick in the teeth for frontline workers.”
What makes this development more frustrating is the fact that many of these workers are simply waiting for yearly renewals of their records, and do not have any past convictions at all, meaning that regardless of criminal record, every rideshare worker is struggling to earn a living wage and collect unemployment benefits.
If you, or anyone you know, struggles with earning a living due to past convictions, contact the experts at Easy Expunctions. We’ll get you started with a free background check to determine your eligibility, explain your options, and get you on the way to a clean slate.
