Subscribe now

Comment and Comment

California's latest erosion of gig worker rights could be going global

A measure passed in California removes many employment rights for gig workers. Similar rules could soon come to a place near you, writes Annalee Newitz

18 November 2020

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Al Seib/Shutterstock

PEOPLE in the US have been so busy freaking out about the recent presidential election that it was easy to miss a vote in California for a ballot measure called Proposition 22. Gig work giants Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and Postmates sponsored the measure, to the tune of $205 million. Some even converted their apps into propaganda machines, exhorting users to vote “Yes on Prop 22”.

The measure passed, and now California has a new class of worker: “independent contractors”. The result is that there is a special exemption for gig work companies from certain labour laws and benefits, such…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop