Organizations Urge Californians to Vote Yes on 22 to Save Services and App-Based Jobs 

SACRAMENTO – The California Taxpayers Association (CalTax), Congress of Racial Equality, Latino Restaurant Association, California Farm Bureau Federation, International Faith Based Coalition, and the Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ACE) recently announced their endorsement of Proposition 22. They join more than 100 other organizations and 100,000 app-based drivers, as well as social justice, business community, and public safety groups in strong support of Prop 22.

From Bishop Ron Allen, President of Congress of Racial Equality:

“This measure will assure that safe, third party transportation will be available to residents of underserved communities.  Further, a robust third party transportation element will reduce the instances of impaired driving.”

From Robert Guttierez, CalTax President:

“By approving Proposition 22, voters will protect app-based drivers’ independence to choose when, where and how long to work, enabling hundreds of thousands of drivers to supplement lost income and wages. Prop 22 provides more transportation and delivery options for consumers – while at the same time improving California’s economy. During this historic recession, it is more important than ever that voters focus on protecting jobs and rebuilding the economy.”

These organizations also join the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, Santa Rosa Press-Democrat and East Bay Times, who previously endorsed Prop 22.

About Proposition 22

An independent study confirms an employment model would 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 driver
  • Mandatory new safety courses for drivers
  • Zero tolerance for alcohol and drug offenses
  • Making it a crime to impersonate a driver