Raw Deal: How the Uber Economy and Runaway Capitalism Are Screwing American Workers by Steven Hill Summary

1. The sharing economy’s "freedom" masks exploitation of gig workers as independent contractors.
2. Uber and Airbnb profit by shifting risks to workers through 1099 employment loopholes.
3. Job insecurity from the freelance society undermines middle-class spending and economic stability.
4. Automation is less threatening than corporate greed eroding worker rights and benefits.
5. Portable benefits systems could protect gig workers across multiple income streams.
6. The "share the crumbs" economy concentrates wealth while selling false entrepreneurial dreams.
7. Worker-owned platforms offer ethical alternatives to Silicon Valley’s extractive business models.
8. Deregulation enables tech giants to bypass labor laws and union protections.
9. Temporary work’s rise mirrors pre-New Deal exploitation with modern digital packaging.
10. A "raw deal" for workers demands policy innovation beyond outdated labor frameworks.

About the Author of Raw Deal

Steven Hill, bestselling author of Raw Deal: How the “Uber Economy” and Runaway Capitalism Are Screwing American Workers, is a San Francisco-based journalist and policy expert with over two decades of experience analyzing labor markets, political reform, and socioeconomic trends.

A former policy director at the Center for Humane Technology and co-founder of FairVote, Hill combines investigative rigor with policy expertise to expose systemic inequities in the gig economy and modern capitalism. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Financial Times, and NPR, and he’s a frequent commentator on platforms like BBC and PBS.

Hill’s other acclaimed books include Europe’s Promise: Why the European Way Is the Best Hope in an Insecure Age and Expand Social Security Now: How to Ensure Americans Get the Retirement They Deserve, both of which explore alternatives to U.S. economic models. Raw Deal was named a Top Ten Book by The Globalist and has become a critical resource for debates on labor rights and corporate accountability.

FAQs About Raw Deal

What is Raw Deal: How the “Uber Economy” and Runaway Capitalism Are Screwing American Workers about?

Steven Hill’s Raw Deal critiques the gig economy’s exploitation of workers, arguing companies like Uber and Airbnb evade labor laws by classifying employees as independent contractors. The book highlights dwindling job security, eroded benefits, and corporate practices that prioritize profits over worker welfare, while proposing policies like universal healthcare and portable benefits to counter these trends.

Who should read Raw Deal by Steven Hill?

This book is essential for policymakers, labor advocates, and anyone interested in economic inequality. Entrepreneurs in the gig economy, freelancers, and workers navigating precarious employment will gain insights into systemic issues and policy reforms needed to protect labor rights in a rapidly shifting job market.

Is Raw Deal by Steven Hill worth reading?

Yes, particularly for its eye-opening analysis of how corporations like Merck and Nissan exploit legal loopholes to deny benefits. Hill blends data with real-world stories, making complex labor issues accessible. However, some critics note its occasionally polemic tone.

What is the “1099 Economy” discussed in Raw Deal?

The 1099 Economy refers to freelancers and gig workers classified as independent contractors (via IRS Form 1099), denying them benefits like healthcare or paid leave. Hill argues this model shifts risk from corporations to workers, creating a “race to the bottom” in wages and job stability.

How does Raw Deal criticize companies like Uber?

Uber is highlighted as a prime example of “runaway capitalism,” sidestepping labor laws by labeling drivers as contractors. Hill reveals how this practice avoids payroll taxes, insurance costs, and overtime pay, forcing workers to bear expenses while companies profit.

What policy solutions does Steven Hill propose in Raw Deal?

Hill advocates for a “New Deal 2.0,” including portable benefits tied to workers (not employers), a universal safety net, and stricter regulations to prevent worker misclassification. He cites Germany and South Korea as models with stronger labor protections.

How does Raw Deal compare worker protections in the U.S. to other countries?

The U.S. lags behind nations like Japan and Brazil, which mandate benefits for gig workers. Hill contrasts America’s fragmented safety net with Europe’s universal healthcare and paid leave, urging reforms to prevent a “freelance society” devoid of worker rights.

What companies are exposed in Raw Deal for exploiting workers?

Merck, Nissan, and Airbnb are criticized for replacing full-time employees with contractors. For example, Merck sold a factory, rehiring workers as contractors without benefits—a tactic Hill calls “corporate arbitrage”.

What criticisms have been raised about Raw Deal?

Some reviewers argue Hill’s passionate tone overshadows nuanced analysis. However, his storytelling—highlighting individual worker struggles—balances statistical evidence, making the case relatable despite occasional polemics.

How does Raw Deal address the future of work?

Hill warns that without policy intervention, the gig economy will erode middle-class stability. He emphasizes rebuilding labor unions and creating multi-employer benefit systems to adapt to flexible work arrangements while safeguarding worker dignity.

What key quotes define Raw Deal’s message?

• “The sharing economy is the tip of the iceberg in a freelance society.”
• “Uber is a corporate minotaur, devouring labor standards.”

These lines underscore Hill’s critique of Silicon Valley’s disruption narrative and its human cost.

How does Raw Deal compare to other books on the gig economy?

Unlike purely academic texts, Raw Deal combines investigative journalism with policy advocacy. It complements books like The Age of Acquiescence but stands out for its actionable solutions and global labor comparisons.