No thanks. This sounds entirely plausible and he gig economy should be highly regulated. I want my stuff delivered, yes, but I want it delivered by somebody who isn't doing it as a last measure to survive and it won't get them out from the heel they are under.
We need whistleblowers like this. If you're a software developer and see shady business practices, fucking say something. If not to your superior, then to an authority. Companies shouldn't get away with this unethical behavior. If even one thing is true of what OP is saying, they should be fucking sued and forced to improve or die.
Ho boy. Don't ruin the good ol' memory of the dude. Some things should be left untouched, just like the movies you watched as a child.