A myriad of abuses towards employees from this 'progressive start-up'.
I will stick to the ones that should be investigated by the California labor law office. Unsafe working conditions and dishonest advertising.
a) Drivers are required to handle as much as 60 pounds of dirty washing (one evening I documented loads of 53lbs, 60lbs, 40lbs, 48lbs, this is a typical night shift. Drivers pick up and deliver an average of 25 to 30 bags.
If I am not mistaken the labor law states that two persons should lift an item that is over 60lbs, or have some form of tool to assist with lifting, (i.e forklift).
The labor law also mentions that frequent and awkward carrying/lifting heavy items will and can cause injuries.
A 'Valet'(delivery driver) working for Rinse is required to follow out all the above whilst navigating many top floor apartments with no access to an elevator. Many older buildings have precarious staircases. Rinse did not provide safety belts.
b) I was never shown the health and safety guidelines when I started with them.
c) Rinse does not inform prospective employees that heavy lifting is required for the 'Valet'(delivery driver) position or the amount of weight that is expected to be carried.
d) Drivers are on a very tight time constraint each shift, therefore have to drive above a safe speed limit in order to squeeze the maximum number of stops, up to 30 stops.
e) Drivers are forced to carry more loads than their passenger vehicle can safely accommodate without obscuring the driver's view of the rear windshield, front and back passenger side windows, and also the passenger seat.
All of the above is a sure fire recipe for causing injury to an employees health and serious injury whilst driving unsafely to employees and other drivers/pedestrians.
Rinse has also been known for it's false advertising of its pay structure and bonus incentive. The three hour work shift that is advertised is not accurate. As the shift progresses, HQ add more pick-ups and due to the high volume of stops it is almost impossible to complete your shift in the allocated time.
So in fact drivers work an extra hour for 'NO' pay.
Many drivers including myself never received the $100 bonus promised after 15 shifts.
