Official Arguments (click ▸ to expand)
California Proposition 22, App-Based Drivers as Contractors and Labor Policies Initiative (2020) - Ballotpedia
California Proposition 22, the App-Based Drivers as Contractors and Labor Policies Initiative, is on the ballot in California as an initiated state statute on November 3, 2020. Proposition 22 would consider app-based drivers to be independent contractors and not employees or agents.
ballotpedia.org
✅ San Francisco Chronicle
"Proposition 22 is a battle between two determined and equally unappealing combatants. Proponents consist of the gig economy companies — Uber, Lyft, DoorDash among them — that are pouring $180 million into a campaign to dictate how they would be regulated on workplace issues. Opponents are the labor unions and the politicians they control, who refused to come up with a reasonable compromise in Sacramento. It’s hubris versus hubris, with voters left to make a binary choice in what should be a nuanced policy that would allow the ride-hail and delivery companies to keep rolling in a way that would increase driver pay and protections while acknowledging that their business does not fit within the realm of traditional employment. As imperfect as it may be in many regards, Prop. 22 at least makes an attempt at striking that balance — and will keep the app-based, ride-hail and delivery services operating in California."
🤐 The San Diego Union-Tribune
No stance published.
🚫 American Civil Liberties Union SoCal
"Vote for fair wages and protections for rideshare and delivery drivers.
Prop 22 is a measure written for and by rideshare and delivery app companies. Instead of increasing worker protections, it preserves an exploitive model and denies drivers — the majority of whom are people of color and in most need of these protections — their rights to a minimum wage, paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, and a path to organizing worker unions. Vote NO on Prop 22 to ensure these workers can receive the benefits they deserve."
🚫 Los Angeles Times
"One of the key innovations of app-based companies is their ability to match whatever workers are available to the customers seeking services, enabling individual workers to come and go on their own schedule. The challenge for the state is to preserve that innovation while guarding against the exploitation of those who rely on app platforms for their livelihoods. And it’s a balance that must be struck broadly, not just for companies that lawmakers or voters favor. Proposition 22 doesn’t meet that challenge."
✅ The Mercury News
Editorial: Prop. 22 would stop the assault on gig firms and workers
With the likes of Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart, the gig economy has revolutionized transportation and how we shop. During the pandemic, we've witnessed the importance of its flexibility, as the companies have been able to ramp up to meet grocery delivery demand while providing jobs that allow workers to choose their hours.
www.mercurynews.com
✅ Orange County Register
"AB5’s backers, primarily labor unions and their advocates in the Capitol, are upset that big technology companies can essentially bypass the state’s inflexible labor rules — the product of a bygone era, when the factory floor and office cubicles were the dominant workplaces. Supporters are trying to use government to hold back inexorable economic changes. … Because of the law’s deleterious effect on many industries, including our own, this editorial board has called for the total repeal of AB5. We don’t like legislating by exemption. Nevertheless, the more exemptions to this legislative monstrosity, the better. Real jobs and services are at risk."
✅ The Desert Sun
“Voters should not be forced to play regulator in what really is a high-stakes tilt between tech firms and labor interests. We believe approval of Proposition 22 will send the strong signal that lawmakers erroneously and harmfully overreached with AB 5, hopefully sending them back to the drawing board.”
Editorial: Yes on Prop 22 helps drivers and would be a rebuke to the chaos that is AB 5
Endorsements are decided by the Editorial Board, which operates independently of The Desert Sun news staff. The Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Al Franco, Executive Editor Julie Makinen, Desert Sun Staff Member Darby Wright and community members Gloria Franz, Becky Kurtz, Terria Smith and Rob Moon.
www.desertsun.com
🚫 California Democratic Party
"Exempts Uber and Lyft from providing drivers the benefits they deserve. Drivers’ rights over Uber/Lyft profits."
No on Prop 22: BY app companies, FOR app companies
The California Attorney General and City Attorneys from across the state are cracking down on Uber and Lyft for the years of violating workers' rights laws, purposefully misclassifying drivers to avoid paying minimum wage, healthcare, paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation coverage.
nooncaprop22.com
✅ Republican Party
"Protect the Right to Be an Independent Contractor
Prop 22 protects the freedom and flexibility of drivers to work when they want -- providing them with a stable income and giving the whole economy a boost."