With restaurants reopening and people booking far in advance, eateries across America are suffering from the same problem: not enough staff. A workforce that pre-pandemic was considered disposable finds itself in a position of power, with employers offering better bonuses and packages.

Digital payment platforms like Venmo have made it easier for people to tip their favourite creators, appealing to people who want a more direct line to the artists they like. This has caught the attention of major social platforms, driving social media to jump on the bandwagon.

Digital platforms have rewritten the contract between employees and companies, but a growing number of gig workers and creators are starting to push back. How will the growing demand for better support and pro-unionization sentiments impact this burgeoning part of the economy?

Often overlooked by the mainstream media, the pandemic saw members of the working class redefined as ‘essential’. So, how can traditional and digital outlets bring this cohort back into the fold? Canvas8 spoke to journalism professor Christopher Martin about making audiences feel heard.