Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement after the Board of Supervisors approved her motion directing pertinent County departments to explore mandating that drivers for such food delivery platforms as DoorDash and Uber Eats receive training and certification in order to operate in LA County:
“Since March 2020, an increasing number of County residents have relied on such delivery services as DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats to buy food, groceries, and other essentials to minimize their exposure to COVID-19.
“By delivering food and/or groceries to households during this pandemic, these drivers and couriers are on the frontline of this pandemic as essential workers. Many of these independent contractors are working under hazardous conditions and risking their own safety to deliver food to households. Since the pandemic began, many companies have added a growing number gig-work positions, while offering little to no training to these drivers and couriers.
“Requiring online certification on safe food handling practices could protect delivery drivers. As a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, I am committed to doing more for our gig workers, and I believe critical training on safe food delivery practices will protect these independent contractors.”
Today’s Board motion directs pertinent County departments to provide a 14-day report back.
###
Contact: Rosa Maria Santana, Deputy Director of Communications, rsantana@bos.lacounty.gov