Actions

Some Uber, Lyft drivers sue over California ballot measure

Scott Olson/Getty Images

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 10: A ride share driver picks up passengers at O'Hare Airport on April 10, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. In response to the death of 21-year-old University of South Carolina student Samantha Josephson, the South Carolina House has approved a bill that would require Uber, Lyft and other ride sharing vehicles to have illuminated signs. Josephson was killed after climbing into a vehicle that she thought was her Uber ride. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

By: Associated Press

Posted at 12:11 PM, Jan 12, 2021

and last updated 2021-01-12 15:11:02-05

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Drivers for app-based ride-hailing and delivery services are suing to overturn a California ballot initiative that makes them independent contractors instead of employees eligible for benefits and job protections.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday in the California Supreme Court said Proposition 22 is unconstitutional because it limits the power of the Legislature to grant workers the right to organize and excludes drivers from being eligible for workers’ compensation.

The measure passed in November was the most expensive in state history.

Messages seeking comment from Uber and Lyft, the main supporters of the measure, were not immediately returned.

RELATED STORIES: