Survey also finds that by a 6-to-1 margin drivers prefer to be independent contractors, not employees

SACRAMENTO — A new independent survey released this week found that 60% of California app-based drivers support Prop 22, while only 23.6% oppose. Prop 22 is the November ballot measure that would protect the independence and flexibility of app-based drivers in California while providing historic new benefits including a minimum earnings guarantee and health care.

The Rideshare Guy survey released October 5 found:

• A solid majority, nearly two-thirds of California app-based drivers, support Prop 22:
  • 60.2% of California app-based drivers support Prop 22; 23.6% oppose and 16.2% are undecided
• The survey also found that California app-based drivers, by 6:1 margin drivers, want to be independent contractors, not employees—a significant increase over previous surveys:
  • 69% of California respondents want to remain independent contractors compared to only 11.5% who want to be employees

The results of this independent survey are just the latest example of the overwhelming support among drivers for remaining independent contractors because independent work provides the flexibility to choose when, where, and how long they want to work. The forced employment model being pushed by politicians and special interests in Sacramento is the exact opposite of what drivers want and would lead to the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs amidst a pandemic and worsening economic recession.

About Proposition 22

An independent study confirms an employment model would reduce the availability and affordability of rideshare and delivery services in California and eliminate up to 900,000 app-based jobs, a reduction of between 80-90 percent of drivers currently driving today. Without Proposition 22, if an employment model were forced on app-based drivers:

• Rideshare costs would increase for consumers by at least 25.9% and as much as 100% in some markets—meaning that a typical $15 ride across town would cost between $19 and $30;
• Food and grocery delivery costs would increase by at least 35.2% and potentially double in some markets;
• An increase in wait times and a decrease in reliability for customers—meaning an average wait time for rideshare of 7 minutes may double to 14 minutes, and food/grocery delivery of 40 minutes may double to 1 hour and 20 minutes or more; and
• A reduction of the customer base—meaning little or no service to most Californians living in rural or suburban areas of the state.

This will come at the worst possible time, when California is facing high unemployment and when app-based work opportunities will provide a lifeline for people to earn income. In addition, more than 71 percent of app-based drivers want to remain independent contractors, despite efforts by politicians to force them to become employees.

Proposition 22 would ensure driver flexibility, by protecting the ability of California’s one million app-based drivers to choose to work as independent contractors while providing new earning guarantees and benefits. These include:

• Prop 22 improves the quality of app-based work by requiring app-based platforms to provide drivers:
  • Guaranteed minimum earnings (120% of California minimum wage), including compensation toward expenses
  • Funding for new health benefits for drivers who work at least 15 hours a week
  • Occupational accident insurance to cover injuries and illnesses on the job
  • Protection against discrimination and sexual harassment
• Prop 22 implements strong new public safety protections:
  • Recurring background checks of drivers
  • Mandatory new safety courses for drivers
  • Zero tolerance for alcohol and drug offenses
  • Making it a crime to impersonate a driver