But the companies that provide the framework for that work, such as Uber, distance themselves from the people who work for them providing car rides, food delivery and other services. As employees, those workers would be entitled to employee benefits; as gig workers, contract workers or freelancers, they’re not, and that leaves them without the safety net that traditional employment has provided for decades.

But the odd-couple letter urges the state to step in where employers fear to tread. In part, it says, “The American social safety system, which was designed in the 20th century for a very different economy, has not kept pace with today’s workforce. At a basic level, everyone should have the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones when they’re injured at work, get sick, or when it’s time to retire.”

Washington—the state, not the capital—has been progressive enough to boost laws that favor workers, so it’s a possibility that change could start there on benefits as well. Already, the state has passed one of the most generous paid family leave policies in the country, and back in 2015, Seattle pushed through a landmark law allowing Uber drivers to unionize—even though that one is mired in court cases at present.

In addition, says the report, “This month, Washington legislators introduced a bill in the state House that would extend benefits coverage to contract workers. If enacted, the bill would require companies to contribute funds to an outside benefits provider based on services rendered by contract workers. The providers would offer benefits, like health insurance, industrial insurance, paid time off, and retirement, to non-employed workers.”

Of course, considering Uber’s history, its motives and involvement in such advocacy are suspect. The report highlights Heidi Groover of The Stranger as questioning whether the letter is just another possible avenue by which Uber could escape classifying its drivers as employees.