Freelance work through apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and a few others has become increasingly common. When these apps started, people used them to earn extra income. Today, it has become the full-time job of many. This is why companies like the ones mentioned above came together to create proposal number 22 in California.
The proposal had the following guidelines:
- 120% of the minimum wage must be awarded when the driver is driving with a passenger or en route of travel.
- $0.30 for expenses for each mile driven with a passenger or en route of travel.
- Medical insurance for any driver who works more than 15 hours.
- Companies must be responsible for paying the medical expenses of their drivers if they have an accident during their working hours.
- Creating discrimination policies on sexual harassment and criminal conduct.
This seeks to legally consider the employees of the apps as independent instead of employees, which means that they would not be entitled to paid vacations or sick days, among other benefits.
This proposal is controversial because many drivers who work for these apps do so full-time and are losing many rights. Proposition 22 was approved in November 2020 with 59% of the vote. This has prompted drivers to protest to try to get more rights.
That this law has been passed means a change for many other people who work independently. One of the biggest things that changed is drastically reducing the protection from sexual harassment, creating a lot of uncertainty for those with such jobs. If you are a freelancer, make sure you understand what your rights are so that you can get the necessary legal help if they are violated. If you need help, contact us.
