California Senate Committee Approves AB5, Sending Bill To Full Vote

A bill that would reshape how California gig workers get treated is now one step closer to a full senate vote, and to becoming a reality.

On Friday, California’s state Senate Appropriations Committee voted to approve Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), a measure seeking to reclassify certain California workers as employees rather than independent contractors, based on the conditions of their work.

Introduced in January, the bill has drawn national attention for challenging a model that firms like Uber, Lyft, and Doordash, which use contracted, independent laborers for the vast majority of their services, have long relied on.

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In the months that have followed, the bill has moved steadily through California’s state Assembly, which is expected to convene for a floor vote on AB5 in September.

As the bill has progressed, gig platforms have continued to amplify their opposition, from encouraging drivers to sign a petition against the bill, to committing a reported $90 million (between Uber, Lyft, and Doordash) toward its demise.

On the whole, California gig workers have also been very vocal in their support of the bill, organizing protests, rallies, and demonstrations through the state.

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In recent years, gig platforms have also faced increasing criticism over the long shifts, low pay and agency, and other financial or personal burdens that workers have had to endure.

If passed, AB5 would require California companies to classify their workers as employees if their work satisfies three key conditions of an employer-employee relationship, such as whether or not a worker has control over the work that they do.

Uber, Lyft, and Doordash have been reached out to for comment, which will be included here when and if available.

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