Policy News
Institute for the American Worker president: ‘workers want flexibility, independence’
Vincent Vernuccio, president of the Institute for the American Worker, stated in a Sept. 2 episode of the Lunch Hour podcast that gig workers value the flexibility that comes with being independent contractors as opposed to traditional employees.
By C. D. McHugh | Sep 10, 2024
NELP announces opposition to judge's block of FTC noncompete ban
The National Employment Law Project (NELP) announced its opposition to a Texas federal judge's decision to block the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) rule that would ban noncompete clauses. The rule restricts workers from joining competitor companies during or after employment.
Latest News
Silicon Valley Leadership Group on Prop 22: ‘The Supreme Court got it right when they upheld the will of California voters’
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 12, 2024
A spokesperson for the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) said in a July 30 statement that in upholding Proposition (Prop) 22, which classifies app-based workers as independent contractors rather than employees, the California Supreme Court has rightly supported "the will of California voters," who approved the measure in 2020.
TransparencyUSA.org, said Records show Ken Nugent family directed $170k to Georgia Trial Lawyers' PAC fighting tort reform
By Flexible Work News | Aug 6, 2024
Prominent trial attorney Kenneth Nugent and family members employed by his firm have given $170,000 to support the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association’s Political Action Committee (PAC), Civil Justice PAC Inc, since 2020. This period coincides with an ongoing debate over tort reform in the state, according to state donation records on TransparencyUSA.org.
Silicon Valley Leadership Group spokesperson: ‘pleased to see the California Supreme Court uphold Proposition 22’
By M. N. Tirado | Aug 5, 2024
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG) told Flexible Work News in a July 30 statement that the organization supports the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Proposition (Prop) 22, citing surveys indicating gig workers' support for the measure.
Chamber of Progress announces California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 22
By R. B. Pepalis | Jul 31, 2024
The California Supreme Court has upheld Proposition 22, which allows gig workers to remain independent contractors while providing them with benefits such as minimum pay standards, health stipends, and accident insurance. This decision confirms the provisions of the 2020 ballot measure for gig work drivers.
DoorDash announces Prop 22 victory
By Flexible Work News | Jul 29, 2024
DoorDash announced that the California Supreme Court's ruling upholds Proposition 22, allowing Dashers to maintain flexible working hours and access the benefits and protections provided by the law. Proposition 22 has been upheld in elections, by the California Court of Appeal, and now by the Supreme Court of California.
Gig worker: California’s ‘Prop 22 helps gig workers get paid at a fair rate’
By C. D. McHugh | Jul 25, 2024
Troi Valentino, a food delivery gig worker based in California, told Flexible Work News in a July 23 statement that if the California Supreme Court strikes down Proposition (Prop) 22, gig workers may not be paid "fairly" for the hours that they work.
California gig worker on Prop 22: ‘overall it helps us’
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 23, 2024
Troi Valentino, a California-based gig worker, stated in a July 6 post on X that he supports keeping Proposition (Prop) 22 in place because he believes the law ultimately benefits app-based delivery and rideshare workers.
Drive Forward executive director: Seattle gig workers ‘suffering from the consequences of broken legislation’
By R. B. Pepalis | Jun 24, 2024
Michael Wolfe, executive director of Drive Forward, a Seattle-based gig worker advocacy group, stated in an April 12 blog post that rideshare drivers and delivery workers in Seattle are making less money as a result of the city’s PayUp bill, which was intended to boost earnings.
DoorDash spokesperson on Prop 22: ‘this law, enacted by the people, should be here to stay’
By M. N. Tirado | Jun 17, 2024
A spokesperson for DoorDash told Flexible Work News on June 12 that California voters and gig workers support Proposition (Prop) 22, a voter-approved measure classifying gig workers as independent contractors rather than employees.
Lyft spokesperson: ‘Prop. 22 protects the independence that drivers value’
By R. B. Pepalis | Jun 13, 2024
A Lyft spokesperson told Flexible Work News on June 11 that if California’s Proposition (Prop) 22 is struck down, rideshare drivers would lose flexibility and other benefits, while riders could face more expensive fares.
Partners for Justice co-founder on partnership with Uber: ‘These free rides can be life-changing’
By J. N. Schierl | Jun 5, 2024
Former public defender Emily Galvin-Almanza, a co-founder of Partners for Justice (PFJ), stated that through a partnership with Uber, her organization is able to connect individuals who have been arrested with free rides to court dates and other required appointments. Galvin-Almanza said in a May 26 opinion piece that if California’s Proposition 22 is struck down, the reclassification of rideshare drivers as employees could negatively impact the program.
Industry associations say striking down Prop 22 would disparately harm minority communities
By K. R. Nelson | May 26, 2024
The Chamber of Progress, NetChoice, Asian Industry B2B, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and sf.citi have filed an amicus brief on April 3 in support of California’s Proposition 22 (Prop 22). The proposition is currently under review by the California Supreme Court. Prop 22 is a voter-approved measure from 2020 that classifies app-based transportation and delivery drivers as independent contractors.
New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice policy manager: Proposed e-bike insurance bill will not ‘truly provide street safety’
By A. D. Bamburg | May 26, 2024
Erik Cruz Morales, a policy manager for the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ), stated on May 22 that a proposed bill requiring e-bikes and scooters to be insured and registered would not enhance safety conditions for delivery workers.
Advocates of app-based driver jobs hopeful California's high court will uphold Prop. 22
By Michael Carroll | May 24, 2024
The California Supreme Court this week heard oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging Proposition 22, a 2020 ballot initiative that classifies app-based drivers for ride-share and food-delivery companies as independent contractors rather than employees.
Sustainable transportation nonprofit deputy director: New Jersey’s proposed e-bike insurance bill is ‘unwise, unsafe, and anti-immigrant’
By K. R. Nelson | May 23, 2024
Elizabeth Adams, deputy executive director for public affairs at the nonprofit Transportation Alternatives, expressed concern over a proposed bill in New Jersey. According to Adams, the legislation requiring e-bikes to be registered and insured like cars would discourage their use, hinder public safety efforts, and disproportionately affect communities that depend on e-bikes as an affordable and accessible mode of transportation. This statement was shared in a press release dated May 22.
New Jersey Assemblyman on e-bike insurance bill: ‘We should be expanding transportation options, not putting barriers in the way of them’
By D. L. Deener | May 22, 2024
New Jersey Assemblyman John Allen (D-32) has expressed his opposition to S2292, a bill that would necessitate the registration and insurance of low-speed e-bikes and e-scooters in a manner similar to cars. Allen made his stance known in a press release on May 22, coinciding with a rally attended by over 40 organizations rallying against the proposed legislation.
New Jersey business owner on e-bike insurance proposal: ‘This flawed bill has nothing to do with safety or equity’
By E. F. Cullerton | May 16, 2024
Brendon Poh, proprietor of the independent bicycle store Cycle Craft located in Parsippany, New Jersey, expressed his concerns about a proposed bill that would necessitate e-bikes to be registered and insured like automobiles. In an opinion piece dated March 22, he argued that the proposed legislation offers no benefits and has numerous drawbacks.
NELP announces importance of unemployment insurance amid job growth slowdown
By Flexible Work News | May 16, 2024
The National Employment Law Project (NELP) recently released an April jobs report, revealing a slowdown in job growth and an increase in the unemployment rate to 3.9%. The report emphasized the continued importance of unemployment insurance for children and families. According to NELP's research, parental unemployment can have detrimental effects on children's health, education, and future career prospects.