I don't want to be a messenger.
It seems like folks just take too much crap. You would expect any other group of workers making so little and sacrificing so much to stand up and demand better. I've talked endlessly with folks here in DC about what it would take either to unionize or to establish better standards, and both would require sacrifices that folks aren't willing to make. To improve working conditions, you would have to formalize the system- people would have to be 'employees' instead of 'contractors' in order to unionize. They'd have to follow basic rules (registration or licensing, etc.) in order for the city to legislate basic working conditions. And too many of the riders here in dc like the lax, unstructured status quo.

At the same time, it's not just riding around in circles on your bike. It's hard work, you have to go fast if you want the lucrative jobs, and it's dangerous as hell. You don't get sick leave, so you're double-screwed if something happens, with medical bills and no pay. If you don't like the weather, too bad, you can either ride in it or not get paid. This isn't a sunny 30 mile lap on carless trails.

In summary: it sounds like fun, but it's hard work, and I can't live without benefits, I can't live with being sent to loading docks instead of through front doors, etc.