Judge Denies Uber’s, Postmates’ Request to Halt California Gig Worker Law

Uber, Lyft agree to wage boost

A U.S. judge on Monday rejected a request by Uber Technologies Inc and courier services provider Postmates Inc to block a California labor law from taking effect, saying the bill’s public benefits outweighed the companies’ concerns. U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles said that while the companies had proven they could suffer a… Continue reading Judge Denies Uber’s, Postmates’ Request to Halt California Gig Worker Law

Uber Urges Court to End California Law that Gives Gig Workers Benefits

Uber hack coverup

Uber Technologies Inc. wants to smother what the company calls California’s “Frankenstein” gig-worker protection law before state officials turn it loose. Uber and Postmates Inc. are scheduled Friday to ask a federal judge in Los Angeles to block enforcement of the landmark law, Assembly Bill 5, that would convert gig-economy workers from independent contractors to… Continue reading Uber Urges Court to End California Law that Gives Gig Workers Benefits

Gig Economy Bills Move Forward in Other States, After California Clears the Way

Uber, Lyft agree to wage boost

California was the first state to challenge tech companies such as Uber and Lyft with bold laws meant to reshape the gig economy by converting workers into employees. And now a handful of other states are following its lead. Legislators in three other states with Democratic majorities, New York, New Jersey and Illinois, are considering… Continue reading Gig Economy Bills Move Forward in Other States, After California Clears the Way

California Court Says Truckers Exempt from ‘Gig Worker’ Law

NLRB rule change could impact trucking industry

California’s new “gig worker” law does not apply to independent truck drivers because they are subject to federal statute, a Los Angeles judge ruled, handing a victory to one industry that is challenging a state effort to clamp down on labor abuses. The law, known as AB5 and which took effect on Jan. 1, makes… Continue reading California Court Says Truckers Exempt from ‘Gig Worker’ Law

Chamber of Commerce Vows to Fight Anti-Business Policies

Closeup shot of a young man hanging up an open sign in a shop window

The leader of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said Thursday that the powerful business group will fight to reverse some policies being pushed in the states and by some Democratic candidates for president. “We will lead the opposition to policies that undermine the job creators, that penalize the innovators and that target the wealth-creators,” Chief… Continue reading Chamber of Commerce Vows to Fight Anti-Business Policies

New Year Brings New Regulations for California Businesses

Sacramento California outside the capital building

California ushered in a host of laws Wednesday—the first day of the year—that will mean major changes for consumers, workers and businesses. Passed by a Democratic legislature and governor, the laws include first-of-their-kind consumer-privacy protections, a change in the way employers classify independent contractors and a cap on rent increases in a state grappling with… Continue reading New Year Brings New Regulations for California Businesses

Uber and Postmates Inc. Claim California Gig Worker Bill is Unconstitutional in New Lawsuit

Group of freelancers sue DOL over independent contractor rule

Postmates and Uber have filed a complaint in California federal district court, alleging that a bill limiting how companies can label workers as independent contractors is unconstitutional. The complaint, which includes two gig workers as co-plaintiffs, was filed in U.S. District Court on Monday, days before Assembly Bill 5 (AB-5) is due to go into… Continue reading Uber and Postmates Inc. Claim California Gig Worker Bill is Unconstitutional in New Lawsuit

California’s Gig Worker Law Is Forcing Small Businesses to Rethink Staffing

Large group of unrecognizable business people waiting for a job interview. Focus is on man with blue clipboard.

A California law that makes it harder for companies to treat workers as independent contractors takes effect January 1. Ahead of that date, small businesses in and outside the state are rethinking their staffing. The law puts tough restrictions on who can be independent contractors or freelancers rather than employees. Supporters say it addresses inequities… Continue reading California’s Gig Worker Law Is Forcing Small Businesses to Rethink Staffing

California Prepares for New Gig Worker Rules…and Confusion

NLRB rule change could impact trucking industry

Dump-truck driver Thang Nguyen thought he was planning ahead earlier this year when he spent more than $200,000 on a new vehicle to comply with California’s strict emission standards. Now he is worried a new state law will make it difficult to find enough work to afford the repayments on the truck. Mr. Nguyen is… Continue reading California Prepares for New Gig Worker Rules…and Confusion

Truckers File First Suit Contesting California Gig Economy Law

NLRB rule change could impact trucking industry

The California Trucking Association on Tuesday filed what appears to be the first lawsuit challenging a sweeping new labor law that seeks to give wage and benefit protections to workers in the so-called gig economy, including rideshare drivers at companies such as Uber and Lyft. The legislation violates federal law and would deprive more than… Continue reading Truckers File First Suit Contesting California Gig Economy Law