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Is the jig up for the “Gig Economy” in California?
Governor Gavin Newsom just signed California’s Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) legislation into law — and it’s one of the most contentious bills of the year that we’ll probably still be talking about (and voting on) during Election Year 2020.
AB5, which kicks in on January 1, changes the test used to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. It is intended to give independent contractors the rights, benefits and protections currently only available to employees. It could reshape the gig economy nationwide, and it adds to a years-long debate about whether work and the workplace in America are becoming too unstable and insecure.
The legislation will affect at least one million workers, ranging from ride-hailing drivers and food-delivery couriers to construction workers and franchise owners, who could now all be reclassified as employees.
Proponents of AB5 say the new bill gives gig economy workers more access to basic workplace protections, like a minimum wage and unemployment insurance.
Those against it say it will prevent contract workers from having flexibility and control over their schedules, and it will make running businesses in California even more expensive.
Is the Gig Economy the innovative future of tomorrow? Or is it AB5 that’s going to determine the future of the economy?
Join us for a interesting conversation about how this bill could change up jobs, labor unions, the workplace and the economy in California — and the rest of the country.
PANELISTS
* Anthony Giannotti, owner of Anthony's Barber Shop and Bottle & Barlow in Sacramento
* Kimberly Lucia, partner and attorney specializing in employment law at Boutin Jones Inc. in Sacramento
* Khaim Morton, vice president of policy and economic development at Sacramento Metro Chamber
* Jeff Perry, a Sacramento-based Uber driver, and an organizer for Gig Workers Rising