Tech Policy Podcast

#39: Uber vs. Thumbtack: Labor in the Sharing Economy

Episode Summary

When it comes to the sharing economy, most of the focus is on companies like Uber, Lyft and Airbnb. But skilled professionals like handymen, mechanics, and personal trainers are taking advantage of online platforms like Thumbtack to find customers. Evan is joined by Jared Meyer, a research fellow at the Manhattan Institute. They discuss Thumbtack’s new report, released today, about skilled workers in the sharing economy. Should skilled labor be treated differently by regulators than “gig” platforms like Uber?

Episode Notes

When it comes to the sharing economy, most of the focus is on companies like Uber, Lyft and Airbnb. But skilled professionals like handymen, mechanics, and personal trainers are taking advantage of online platforms like Thumbtack to find customers. Evan is joined by Jared Meyer, a research fellow at the Manhattan Institute. They discuss Thumbtack’s new report, released today, about skilled workers in the sharing economy. Should skilled labor be treated differently by regulators than “gig” platforms like Uber?