“… the very characteristics of working with app-based rideshare and delivery platforms – especially high flexibility and low barriers to entry – have proven to be key forms of work for many lower-income families needing access to income during this current pandemic.”

SACRAMENTO – Civil rights and social justice groups – including the California State NAACP, Si Se Puede Foundation, National Action Network and Black Women Organized for Political Action – sent a letter to California elected officials urging support for Proposition 22.

They join a growing coalition of more than 75,000 California drivers, plus social justice, seniors, business and community groups, and public safety organizations in support of Prop 22. By a 4:1 margin app-based drivers want to remain independent contractors, despite efforts by politicians to force them to become employees.

Other signers include the Asian American Resource Center (Inland Empire), the California Black Chamber of Commerce, plus 14 executive-level members of the California NAACP.

In their letter, social justice proponents wrote:

“We respectfully and strongly urge you to support a November ballot measure, Proposition 22. Prop 22 directly protects the choice of more than one million Californians to work as independent contractors with app-based rideshare and delivery platforms …

“Driving with these platforms provides an accessible, low barrier-to-entry way to earn income for those who often find traditional employment challenging – communities of color, seniors, disabled veterans and those formerly incarcerated.

“A 2019 survey of drivers reported that more than half identify as coming from communities of color – 31% Latino, 14% Asian Pacific Islander and 10% African American. 

“California Assembly Bill 5 would threaten the ability of app-based drivers to work as independent contractors and instead force them to work as employees with set shifts and rigid schedules. Economic studies show eliminating the ability of individuals to choose app-based independent contract work and forcing a rigid employment model will result in the loss of 900,000 app-based jobs in California. …

“With California’s unemployment rate reaching a record high, the very characteristics of working with app-based rideshare and delivery platforms – especially high flexibility and low barriers to entry – have proven to be key forms of work for many lower-income families needing access to income during this current pandemic.

“For that reason, we have all joined together in strong support Proposition 22 to protect these jobs and improve the nature of independent app-based work. And we know the voters of California will stand with us.”

A study by the Berkeley Research Group confirms an employment model would further eliminate up to 900,000 app-based jobs, a reduction of between 80-90 percent of drivers currently driving today. These job losses 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.

Proposition 22 would save this very important work, ensure driver flexibility, protect the ability of California’s one million app-based drivers to choose to work as independent contractors and provide 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, 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