WORKERS PERSPECTIVE The fight is truly on for gig workers in California. Which side are you on?



Since Uber launched in 2009 they've gone out of their way to skirt labor protections and treat workers like mere cogs in their all conquering algorithm. Earlier this year a bill proposed in California tried to change that, it's called AB 5. This bill would codify into law a ruling by the Supreme Court of California last year, known as Dynamex, which established a three-part test to determine whether someone would be considered an independent contractor or an employee under California's labor law. Under this test drivers for Uber and Lyft would be considered employees.



This Bill has the gig companies shit scared. This week, we've seen them grasping desperately to prevent it from passing: the sent a massive misleading email to drivers and riders begging to help them kill it. For the first time they promised a minimum wage and some basic benefits. The minimum wage they suggested is a non starter. It only applies while drivers have passengers in their car and wouldn't meet the level of a living wage in California. Only hours later they threatened to spend (alongside their gig work partner in crime, Doordash), $90m on a ballot initiative next year that would aim to kill AB 5 if it passed. $90m from tech billionaires who say they can't pay their workers a living wage is truly a new low from an industry where we workers have no expectations from bosses.



For drivers: the fight is on. They know tthey have Uber and Lyft by the balls, however these last pathetic last ditch attempts to salvage their illegal business models cannot be underestimated. The companies continue to pour millions lobbying into California (often a testbed for legislation that later ripples across the country) and are hellbent on continuing their exploitative business practices. As we all know, this is about power and they won't just give it up. It needs to be taken from them.



Drivers need help from you all who read this newsletter: Figure out the names and phone number of California State Senators and call them up: Tell them to vote yes on AB 5 and demand drivers be allowed to form a union. Tell them there can't be balance between human rights and business interests. Tell them Uber, Lyft and Doordash are morally reprehensible and if they side with these companies over drivers that you'll knock on doors to make sure they are not re-elected.



California, and the world, is watching. Let's be there in solidarity with drivers.



P.S. If you want to stay informed on this battle, follow: Veena Dubal, Christian Perea, Johana Bhuiyan, Josh Eidelson, Gig Workers Rising, Rideshare Drivers United and Lorena Gonzalez.

