Educational Media Reviews Online

A gig worker is someone who is paid for each task completed rather than receiving a regular salary. Some of the best known are drivers for companies such as Uber and food delivery people for companies such as GrubHub. They are employed by many companies around the world. These kinds of jobs are often described as wonderful: you get to be your own boss, set your own hours, choose only the tasks that you want. This film exposes the truth: the corporations make millions while the workers are often literally paid in pennies.

Many gig workers have had enough and are fighting back. This film documents the growing movement to push for better wages, better benefits, and better laws to protect their rights. The film follows the stories of several different kinds of gig workers around the world. It exposes the tricks that companies use to lure people into these jobs and the callousness with which the workers are treated. Not all of the workers interviewed speak English so there are a lot of subtitles to read.

This type of interview documentary can be very boring if all you see are people sitting in one place talking. This film is more engaging. The drivers, for instance, are often interviewed while driving so you have the movement in the background or a person who delivers by bicycle may be shown cycling while the interview is taking place. There is enough movement and changes of scenery to hold your attention.

Like many people during the COVID pandemic, I began using various home delivery services much more. I never spared much thought for those people who brought me my meals and groceries. Never again. This film opened my eyes in a powerful, emotional plea to see these workers as people who deserve to be treated just as fairly as any other workers.

If nothing else, I hope this film will remind you to at least say “Thank you” to the next person who delivers your burgers and fries.

Awards:
Audience Award, Forest City Film Festival

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