Troi Valentino, a gig worker based in California, stated on May 13 that Proposition 22 (Prop 22) is what makes his gig work "worth it." He also shared a petition urging other delivery drivers to support the continuation of the measure.
"California prop 22 is what makes these DoorDash/Ubereats jobs worth it," said Valentino. "There's a petition to help keep it stay for us gig workers. If you work for any driver deliver apps here's a link if you want to help out!"
According to Investopedia, California voters approved Prop 22 in November 2020. Also known as the "App-Based Drivers as Contractors and Labor Policies Initiative," Prop 22 classifies app-based transportation and delivery drivers as independent contractors.
Uber's website post states that Prop 22 "provides historic and important protections and guarantees to workers in California." Under this proposition, benefits for Uber drivers and couriers include health care stipends for those without access to health insurance plans, a minimum earnings guarantee of at least 120% of minimum wage plus 35 cents per mile, and occupational accident insurance.
As reported by the International Organization of Employers, a California court declared Prop 22 unconstitutional in August 2021. However, an appellate court overturned this ruling in March 2023, maintaining Prop 22 as part of California state law. The Service Employees International Union appealed this decision, leading the state's Supreme Court to agree to review it. A ruling on Prop 22 from the Supreme Court is anticipated within this year.
A survey conducted among Californians who drive for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart in 2021 found significant support for Prop 22. According to a report from Protect App-Based Drivers and Services, 88% of respondents said Prop 22 had been "good for them," with 76% stating that it "increased my pay." Furthermore, about 84% would recommend other states pass laws similar to Prop 22.
Valentino also runs a YouTube channel focusing on entertainment such as gaming and music, according to his profile.