Pros and Cons of Gig Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Using monthly data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) from December through May 2020, I compare unemployment rates and hours worked last week relative to usual hours between gig workers and standard workers. Utilizing four definitions of gig work, I find gig workers fared worse than standard workers in terms of hours worked during the COVID-19 pandemic, and unemployment rates were higher for two of the four definitions of gig work. Results suggest that gig workers need extra protection during times of crisis.