In 2011, Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken, ended some of its executive perks, including a car and driver, club membership and annual physical.
Data on the social profile of group members would help to improve understanding of the drivers of membership, and also where and how to target policy responses.
In a flexible labour market with millions of short-term contracts, this might be a more effective lever than attempting to unionise Uber drivers (whose membership subs would only be undercut by a new union startup operating online).
Aside from cars and drivers, covering memberships at the local country club or golf course is also common to grease the wheels of business.
Some 20 years ago, financial compensation packages for expatriate families were more robust, with higher salaries and other perks like drivers, club memberships and first-class airfare for home leave so a spouse could afford not to work.
One of the most vocal groups has been the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, which claims to have 7,000 yellow-cab drivers among a membership that also includes drivers of livery cabs and black cars.
Rental fees include insurance coverage, and Mr. Griffith said background checks had generally weeded out poor drivers from its membership rolls.
'We compare ourselves with the AA or the RAC - around two- thirds of drivers have breakdown membership cover, so our challenge is how do we get the non-insurance-minded younger busy professionals signed up.' Why, I wonder, would people pay a premium rather than just surfing the web for a fast, reliable tradesman?
Amazon is offering several benefits to Prime members including faster delivery times, which is the key driver of higher memberships.
In exchange for membership, drivers have the flexibility to walk away from their lease at any time – with no damage to credit.
