Stock Groups

Massachusetts gig worker ballot measure backers submit signatures -Breaking

by Mike Robinson

[ad_1]

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: A protestor holds a sign reading “Pass the Rideshare Drivers Bill of Rights” at a demonstration opposing a ballot campaign by companies such has Uber, Lyft and Door Dash to exempt their companies from some labor laws, outside the Massachus

Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) – Massachusetts lawmakers are asking for drivers of app-based apps like Uber Technologies to be treated by them (NYSE:) Inc backers Lyft Inc (NASDAQ:), as independent contractors, rather than employees, stated on Tuesday that they have gathered sufficient signatures to place it on the ballot.

According to supporters, around 130,000 signatures were submitted by citizens for every version of the ballot question. This was according to a group of app-based services providers who are closely watching the battle over gig worker’s legal rights.

In August, Uber, Lyft Inc., DoorDash Inc. and Instacart Inc. joined the Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work to ask voters for their consent to make their drivers eligible for minimum benefits, but not for their employees.

Flexibility and benefits for Massachusetts drivers, an associated committee, collected the signatures. Although the ballot question has two versions, one does not have a requirement for safety training in case it is challenged by opponents.

To be certified, the signatures required for ballot questions 2022 must reach the secretary of state by Wednesday. By Dec. 1, the secretary must have received at least 80.239 signatures.

Proposed earnings ceiling would be equal to 120% Massachusetts minimum wage, $18/hour in 2023 for driver-app-based delivery or ride-share apps, and before tipping. To cover the cost of vehicle maintenance and fuel, drivers would receive at least 26c per mile.

If drivers are employed for at least 15 hours per workweek, ride-share companies and delivery networks would have to provide healthcare stipends. Also, drivers could be paid for sick leave and family or medical leave.

This proposal is similar to a California measure of 2020 that was passed by the same companies. In California, state voters approved a law that would have made ride-hail drivers and food delivery employees independent contractors.

However, a California judge ruled on August 23 that Proposition 22 was in violation of the state constitution.

Disclaimer: Fusion MediaWe remind you that this site does not contain accurate or real-time data. CFDs are stocks, indexes or futures. The prices of Forex and CFDs are not supplied by exchanges. They are instead provided by market makers. As such, the prices might not reflect market values and could be incorrect. Fusion Media does not accept any liability for trade losses you may incur due to the use of these data.

Fusion MediaFusion Media and anyone associated with it will not assume any responsibility for losses or damages arising from the use of this information. This includes data including charts and buy/sell signal signals. Trading the financial markets is one of most risky investment options. Please make sure you are fully aware about the costs and risks involved.



[ad_2]