By TJ Martinell | thecentersquare.com
The City of Seattle is considering an ordinance that would limit the ability of companies employing app-based workers to deactivate their accounts based on specific criteria and only after an investigation has occurred. Proponents within City Hall say the proposal would create better job security for those workers, while detractors argue the idea is fraught with privacy and safety concerns.
“Public safety is our top priority, and we simply cannot support a proposal that undermines this core belief,” Washington Food Industry Association President Tammie Hetrick said in a statement. “As private businesses, our members have the right to refuse service to anyone. Our members have experienced dangerous incidents in their stores and they need the ability to respond quickly when public safety is an issue. The council’s proposal interferes with our ability to proactively head off a potentially dangerous situation, creating unsafe conditions for both employees and customers.”