abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb
Story

2 Sep 2019

USA: Uber & Lyft drivers protest in support of bill that classifies workers as 'employees', guaranteeing worker protections and benefits; Incl. Co. comments


In August 2019, hundreds of Uber and Lyft drivers travelled across California by caravan, in support of Assembly Bill 5. The Bill, if passed by the state, means Californian drivers working under these companies will be classified as employees, instead of independent contractors. As an employee, workers would have access to more worker protections and benefits, including paid breaks, overtime, and health insurance.

Uber and Lyft are against this bill, arguing that the classification 'independent contractor' gives drivers the flexibility to work whenever and wherever they want. They are both attempting to secure an alternative deal with labour leaders and lawmakers, which propose new benefits for workers, including a guarantee of $21 an hour including expenses, and a company-funded benefits system.  If a deal is not met, both will work together to implement a ballot measure that would declare workers as non-employees, while implementing the new benefits. 

In October 2019, Uber, Lyft and DoorDash launched  the 'Protect App-based Drivers & Services' campaign, a ballot measure on California's 2020 ballots asking voters to give ride-hailing companies an exemption to AB 5. However, in November 2019, economists found that the campaign introduced by the companies contained loopholes, that could leave some drivers earning as little as $6 an hour, despite a promised 120% increase to $15.60.

Company comments can be found in the articles below.

Timeline