BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Proposition 22, which returns app-based drivers to "independent contractor" status, passed in California Tuesday night.
Last year, California lawmakers passed AB-5, which classified app-based drivers as employees rather than independent contractors. That provided the drivers with labor protections such as minimum wage and sick leave.
Prop 22 would return those drivers to "independent contractor" status, although it would guarantee an hourly wage and some benefits, including a health insurance stipend for drivers who work more than 15 hours a week.
In Kern County, with 55% of the precincts reporting, 83,145 voters, or 65.41%, voted for prop. 22. 43,977 voters, or 34.59%, voted in favor of prop. 22.
In the state, 58% of voters voted in favor of prop. 22, with 67% of precincts reporting.
Critics say the drivers are being denied real protections and benefits.
Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash, who are the main financial supporters of prop 21, say their drivers favor independence by a four to one margin.
