Proposition 22: Pros and Cons

The aftermath of the election has left many people feeling overwhelmed over the past few weeks. They had the choice to vote for whatever official they preferred and on ballot measures they would like to see implemented into their state’s government. You may have noticed a particular ad going around on your YouTube videos or commercial breaks.

A proposition is a suggested program or plan of action, as stated by the oxford language. This year, the ballot had 12 measures for California. One of the propositions was a plan of action where people would be free from being subject to ab5. Proposition 22, rules for app-based drivers. 58.7% of voters voted yes, making it very clear the measure will be passed.

Why did these people decide to vote yes to prop 22? The 58.7% have stated that it would give drivers more benefits, like minimum earnings and compensation. Of course Uber and Lyft assisted on the votes, spending over $200 million in support. This ballot measure has become California’s most expensive campaign ever. Both of the apps and others were involved in several lawsuits due to ignoring the ab5 law. The money spent on campaigning was worth it as an opportunity they couldn’t miss. Workers who use these types of apps want to remain as independent contractors, saying it’s in their right to feel freedom in their workplace.

Many people who were with the opposing vote, though disappointed, do not intend to lose the fight. The other 41.3% have been wanting to repeal proposition 22 because of safety concerns and limited assistance. It is said that prop 22 only benefits the app based companies; “Prop 22 was written for app companies, by app companies – NOT workers and our families”, states the California Labor Federation. This ballot measure has broken laws countless times. Attorneys from different cities have been working to take down Uber and Lyft for violating worker’s rights. Violating rights like purposefully misclassifying drivers to avoid paying minimum wage, healthcare, and unemployment insurance. App companies have exploited their workers, 78% of them being people of color and 70% doing more than 30 hours a week work. These essential workers have been helping the community with what we’re going through with the pandemic, giving in all these hours.

SOURCES

No on Prop 22: BY app companies, FOR app companies. (n.d.).

Retrieved from https://nooncaprop22.com/

Chris Nichols, K. (n.d.). Here’s How California Voted On Each 2020 Proposition. Retrieved from https://www.capradio.org/articles/2020/11/12/what-we-know-about-proposition-results/

Uber and Lyft gain $13 billion in combined market value after Californians approve Prop 22. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/uber-lyft-stock-prices-california-votes-for-prop-22-2020-11-1029764137