Proposal To Allow Uber Drivers, Other Independent Contractors Unionize Withdrawn
SACRAMENTO (KCBS/AP) -- A longshot proposal to allow Uber drivers and all other independent contractors in California to unionize is being withdrawn.
Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez said Thursday that she used AB1727 to draw attention to workers who cannot negotiate their pay or working conditions.
Federal law does not extend collective bargaining rights to independent contractors like architects, masseuses or workers dispatched through mobile applications like Uber and Lyft.
The San Diego Democrat and union supporters say those workers deserve the benefits that come with being classified as regular employees.
Thirty-two state and national business organizations opposed the bill. They argue the broad proposal would hurt businesses and jeopardize the use of independent contractors.
Gonzalez says it won't pass this year and she'll make changes before trying again.
