On-demand grocery delivery service Instacart announced Thursday it will give workers in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego the option to become employees of the company.
Until now, Instacart’s California shoppers and delivery personnel were classified as independent contractors. Under its new structure, shoppers will have the option to apply for part-time positions, which will entitle them to benefits such as workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, Medicare and Social Security contributions.
Those who choose to remain independent contractors will have the option of transitioning into delivery driver roles.
Some markets will continue to have independent contractors who perform both shopping and delivery duties, according to Instacart spokeswoman Andrea Saul, but the goal is to eventually have workers doing one or the other.