California Senate passes bill to tighten 'gig' worker rule
Source: Reuters
POLITICS SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 / 2:45 AM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO
California Senate passes bill to tighten 'gig' worker rule
Lisa Baertlein
4 MIN READ
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The California State Senate voted on Tuesday to pass a bill that would make it much more difficult for gig economy companies like Uber Technologies Inc (UBER.N) and Lyft Inc (LYFT.O) to classify workers as independent contractors rather than employees.
The bill, which was sponsored by California Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez and is backed by Governor Gavin Newsom, passed the state senate with 29 votes in favor and 11 votes against it.
The bill, AB5, has garnered national attention, largely owing to the size of Californias workforce. Several Democratic presidential candidates have supported the measure, including U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Kamala Harris of California.
It has also come under sharp criticism by trade groups and so-called gig economy firms that rely heavily on contractors.
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-employment-california/california-senate-passes-bill-to-tighten-gig-worker-rule-idUSKCN1VW0M7