[cdmcmahon]

I also think it's an attempt to ward off a nascent unionization push.

Regarding a different, recent "olive branch" type proposal:

"The one thing they don’t want to give you is the thing that you need to get. This offer from Uber and Lyft is like a kidnapper offering you a softer blanket, as long as you agree not to ever escape. No thanks. These companies know very well that once their workers become actual employees, they will get a host of benefits automatically, and they can formally unionize to win themselves many more benefits and increased pay. These companies, which have never made a dollar even while exploiting their workers, fear this. So they offer some concessions." [1]

[1] https://splinternews.com/if-uber-wants-it-its-bad-1835514222