Over 100 Coalition Supporters Demonstrates Strong Momentum for Campaign in Support of Prop 22 

SACRAMENTO — In the wake of Sacramento politicians’ recent efforts that nearly resulted in the shutdown of rideshare services and that would have erased hundreds of thousands of California jobs, support for Proposition 22 among app-based rideshare and delivery drivers is surging. More than 100,000 drivers have now signed up to actively support Prop 22, making Yes on 22 the largest app-based driver group in California. In addition, more than 100 social justice organizations, public safety advocates, and business groups have joined our coalition, exemplifying the breadth of popular support for Prop 22.

Working with our rapidly-growing coalition of app-based drivers, social justice and public safety organizations, and members of the business community, the Yes on 22 campaign will educate voters about the benefits Prop 22 provides to both drivers and the millions of app-based rideshare and delivery customers, urging them to vote yes on November 3. 

Drivers have shared their personal stories explaining why the flexibility to choose when, where, and how they work is so important to them and why they support the ballot measure:

“I have three young children at home. Now, with the pandemic and distance learning, I am able to balance my children’s education and providing a stable income with independent work as a gig worker. I don’t believe that will be possible if I am forced to find employment that requires a set shift. Our economy has already been hit with too many blows. If app-based opportunities cease, I believe it would further harm an already struggling economy. If it weren’t for many of these app-based opportunities already in place, many more of our local restaurants and businesses would be forced to shut their doors. In addition, many more would be forced to rely on unemployment to make ends meet.” Latanya G., Winters

“I’m a truck driver Monday-Friday and I drive Uber on weekends in the evening. I enjoy driving and getting to know people besides earning an extra income. I have been doing it for over five years. I want to keep my status as it is, an independent contractor, because of the flexibility and control of the time towards this job. I don’t think I could drive for Uber anymore if they are forced to make me an employee. As an independent contractor, I can work when I want, don’t have to worry about anyone telling me what to do, and take a long break if I want to.” – Javoori K., Fontana

“Driving has made it possible for me to survive! The flexibility enables me to work hard, building my real estate business as a new agent while still making an income to keep a roof over my head. No other job would give me that flexibility to make money and be able to meet all the demands of time that real estate has. During the pandemic, I have struggled to get unemployment, and without the flexibility and freedom to drive, I would be homeless right now.” – Aurora B., Palm Springs

“Honestly, I enjoy having the option to make more money when I need to and if for some reason I lose my job, like I have now due to COVID-19, I am able to use DoorDash as a backup when it is needed.” – Chelsey C., Chico

About Proposition 22

More than 71 percent of app-based drivers want to remain independent contractors, despite efforts by politicians to force them to become or find work as employees. Additionally, a new study from UC Riverside School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting & Development found that Proposition 22 will lead to earnings well above minimum wage—averaging between $25 and $28 dollars per hour—for hundreds of thousands of California app-based drivers.

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 percent 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