Date: December 11, 2023
Contact: Molly Weedn, (415) 209-4217
[email protected]

Yes on Prop 22 Coalition Submits Answer Brief to California Supreme Court in Castellanos v. State of California

Proposition 22 was passed by nearly 60 percent of voters in 2020 and should remain law

Today, the Protect App-Based Drivers + Services Coalition (PADS) submitted its answer brief to the California Supreme Court – a next step in the court procedure in the fight to uphold Prop 22. The brief comes after SEIU filed its opening brief earlier this year to challenge the California Court of Appeal’s 2023 ruling that upheld Prop 22.

Proposition 22, passed in 2020 by nearly 10 million voters (almost 60% of votes), preserved the right of app-based rideshare and delivery drivers to remain independent contractors, while providing new benefits like a minimum earnings guarantee and access to a health care stipend.

In March, the California Court of Appeal upheld Proposition 22 in a historic victory for nearly 1.4 million app-based drivers.

“Drivers like me want to remain independent contractors – bottom line,” said Al Porche, a Southern California app-based driver. “Driving has been a lifeline for me and the flexibility it offers ensures I can work around my family’s needs. I strongly urge the Court to uphold Prop 22 and respect the will of nearly 10 million Californians who voted to support drivers like me. ”

SEIU will have the opportunity to file a reply brief, and then supporters of both sides will have the opportunity to submit amicus briefs in early 2024.

“There is strong legal precedent that the Supreme Court should uphold Proposition 22, as the Court of Appeal did recently,” said Kurt Oneto, PADS legal counsel. “As our brief states, we urge the Court to protect the people’s right of initiative and the overwhelming will of California voters.”

About Protect App-Based Drivers & Services (PADS) Coalition

The Protect App-Based Drivers & Services (PADS) coalition, formerly the Yes on Prop 22 coalition, is continuing to engage to ensure the will of California voters is upheld; to protect access to independent, app-based jobs; and to preserve the availability, affordability and reliability of on-demand app-based rideshare and delivery services that are essential to Californians and our economy.

Proposition 22 was supported by nearly 60% of California voters, 120,000 drivers, and a diverse coalition of more than 140 groups including social justice, senior, community, business, veterans and many others.