Friday, November 1, 2019

California Destroys $1 Trillion Gig Economy With New Law

Often heralded as a progressive utopia, the Golden State recently signed into law Assembly Bill 5, which will change the landscape of the gig worker economy.

Stemming from the groundbreaking court decision established in Dynamex West Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles, the California Supreme Court found Dynamex's workers were misclassified as independent contractors rather than employees.

Many employers view this new law as a nightmare and gig workers feel it's an attack against their freedom and independence.

Lorena Gonzalez, author of Assembly Bill 5, insists the goal of this law is "To create new good jobs and a livable, sustainable wage job." Supporters emphasize the benefits and protections gig workers will receive such as health care subsidies and a guaranteed $12 state minimum hourly wage, but fail to address the consequences of the new law.

The Hollywood Reporter stated many publications are going to avoid working with California freelancers to avoid potential lawsuits.

With recent lawsuits involving FedEx and Uber misclassifying their independent contractors, it's undeniable workers of the gig economy need more rights, benefits and protection.

The law hasn't been used to challenge worker misclassification at any of the gig platform companies such as Uber or Lyft.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/heidilynnekurter/2019/10/31/california-destroys-1-trillion-gig-economy-with-new-law/#677f0ad72f0d

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