Letters to the Editor: 'No thanks' to government's free masks

Mask distribution equals more pollution

I say “no, thanks” to one of the 400 million masks being made available by President Biden. I fear they will be like plastic straws polluting the sidewalks and parking lots and maybe even the ocean. And by the way, there are no mandates for mask wearing in Great Britain anymore.

Eleanor J. Dunn, West Dennis

'Employee model' not right for this driver

My mindset about driving with Uber hasn’t changed since I started with the app in 2019. It’s my go-to for supplemental income, and I prefer not to be a full-time employee for Uber because I’m retired and enjoy the freedom to work as I please.

Consumers and app-based rideshare passengers need to know that there are ongoing efforts to make all rideshare and delivery drivers in Massachusetts fit into an employee model. I would not continue driving with Uber if forced into set schedules and specified driving locations.

In the winter, we don’t have many ride requests on the Cape, so when I want to drive, I head to Boston to tap into rider demand. If I was told my driving location for the day was solely in Hyannis, my earnings potential would be limited, especially during the colder months.

The best part about Uber is the flexibility it offers. I can turn on the app under my own terms and not when a boss chooses — and that’s exactly what I need as a retiree.

Massachusetts voters should support a question on the ballot this November that would secure our ability as drivers to work when and where our schedules allow, while offering new benefits and protections. You, too, will benefit with continued safe access to rides and food delivery at your fingertips.

Patricia Hill, Hyannis

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Mask distribution will lead to more pollution