California Court: App-based Drivers Are Contractors

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The Facts

  • A California appeals court Monday ruled to largely uphold Proposition 22, a voter-approved law that classified drivers for ride-share and delivery companies as independent contractors.

  • A November 2020 vote exempted companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash from needing to adhere to a 2019 law requiring them to provide benefits such as paid sick leave and unemployment insurance. It granted "alternative benefits" to drivers, including a guaranteed minimum wage and health insurance subsidies.

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The Spin

Narrative A

This is a crucial victory for companies that rely on independent-contractor drivers for the survival of their business. The independent-contractor model saves companies from having to pay costly benefits, and in return, drivers get some benefits in addition to the flexibility that’s proven immensely popular since Prop 22 took effect.

Daily Caller

Narrative B

Gig companies shouldn’t celebrate just yet. The Service Employees International Union intends to appeal in an effort to make sure drivers are afforded the rights of all other workers in the state. In addition, the US Federal Trade Commission is looking into accusations of wage-fixing, and the Department of Labor is considering a federal law to classify more contractors as employees.

Verge

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