California ‘gig worker’ ballot Proposition 22 ruled unconstitutional

Alameda County Superior Court judge ruled the law violated California’s state Constitution because it “limits the power of a... legislature to define app-based drivers as workers subject to workers’ compensation law.”

A California voter-approved referendum that lets many “gig workers” be treated as independent contractors was ruled unconstitutional on August 20, setting up more legal fights over the controversial measure. The labour legislation known as Proposition 22 — heavily backed by Uber, Lyft and other app-based, on-demand services — effectively overturned a California law requiring them to reclassify their drivers and provide employee benefits. Yet an Alameda County Superior Court judge ruled the law violated California’s state Constitution because it “limits the power of a... legislature to define app-based drivers as workers subject to workers’ compensation law.”