DoorDash is significantly investing in autonomous vehicles and technology to reduce its reliance on human delivery workers, a move that coincides with its substantial spending to fight worker protections. The company has partnered with Waymo, a self-driving car company, for deliveries in Phoenix and is offering Waymo ride discounts to DashPass subscribers in Los Angeles and San Francisco. DoorDash is also testing delivery robots, such as Serve Robotics' bots and its own "Dot" robots, in various cities, with plans to further integrate these technologies into its operations.
This push towards automation is occurring while DoorDash actively lobbies against worker rights legislation and engages in political spending, particularly in New York City, to prevent the implementation of protections for gig workers. The company has donated millions to political action committees and formed its own super PAC to influence elections and oppose bills aimed at improving pay, transparency, and benefits for delivery drivers. DoorDash has also faced legal challenges, including a settlement for tip theft and a lawsuit regarding discrimination against applicants, which have resulted in payouts and required operational changes.
The company's strategy appears to be a deliberate effort to replace human labor with robots and automated systems, driven by a desire to increase corporate profits and avoid ... download the app to read more
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