New York gig workers win right to unemployment benefits

A person on a food delivery bike in New York City. New York Postmates food delivery drivers and potentially thousands of other gig workers can receive unemployment benefits at a time of historic job losses, following a ruling by the state’s highest court that they are company employees. — AFP

New York Postmates food delivery drivers and potentially thousands of other gig workers can receive unemployment benefits at a time of historic job losses, following a ruling by the state’s highest court that they are company employees.

The New York Court of Appeals said Thursday that Postmates "could not operate” without its couriers, rejecting the company’s argument that it simply operates a platform connecting drivers to customers.