The California Legislature is currently evaluating a bill, AB5, that would reclassify independent contractors as employees in a wide range of industries. For some industries, this reclassification makes a lot of sense. In others, it will lead to anxiety and loss of income for thousands of workers.

When Lyft approached me to advise them on how to find a compromise that would allow their company to grow while ensuring needed benefits and flexibility for their workforce, I said I would love to help — with one condition. I needed to speak with a representative sample of drivers to get their stories and points of view.

I have done just that, both as a passenger and at a comprehensive sit-down meeting in Los Angeles. Here’s what I learned: Lyft drivers want better benefits without losing a key advantage that brought them to Lyft in the first place. That’s the ability to drive whenever they want to, for however long they want to.

Their stories resonate with me.

I met a dad who stays at home with his children while his wife works during the day. He drives when she’s at home. Sometimes that’s at 6 p.m., sometimes at 1 a.m., or sometimes not at all.

I met a loving daughter who takes care of her aging, fragile mom. She drives when “Mom is having a good day.” She never knows in advance when that day or that hour will be.

Then there was the young woman hoping for her big acting break. She drives in between calls from her agent.

That’s just a sample of the stories I heard. What was loud and clear from all of these drivers was that they shared grave concerns they’ll lose this critical income if they are forced to become employees.

Switching to an employee model will mean far fewer opportunities to drive. For many drivers, the lack of flexibility will put driving out of reach completely.

Yes, some drivers want full-time structured hours, and I did talk to one who said that would be better. But the vast majority of drivers — 92% — drive fewer than 20 hours a week. To me, it seems callous to pass a bill that would have such a devastating effect on so many workers in this industry.

AB5 could remove drivers from the road, take away their opportunity to support their goals and families, and make a service which many Californians count on less reliable.

There is a way for everyone to win here. By keeping driver flexibility but adding much-needed benefits like better pay, workers’ compensation, better cost reimbursement, and a way for workers to be heard.

I know there are voices for working people in California and throughout our country who believe this compromise can be reached. I know because I’ve sought their advice.

I have spent more than half of my life fighting for workers to have better lives. During my 10 years in the House of Representatives and 24 years in the U.S. Senate, I took pride in achieving one of the highest voting records in favor of labor. I tried to make every day a day that was better and brighter for American workers. That meant looking all the tough challenges in the eye and being realistic.

Some of yesterday’s solutions work for today. Some don’t. In an economy of great change we need to understand the new needs of both workers and businesses. We need to make sure they can all thrive, not just survive.

I ask the state Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom, all of whom care deeply about economic growth and the welfare of the workforce, to show the kind of leadership on AB5 it will take to make this issue a win-win-win for workers, businesses and consumers.

Barbara Boxer retired from the United States Senate in 2017. Among other projects, she has been hired by Lyft to advise them on meeting the challenges of the gig economy.