![[California] Uber drivers divided over employment status question ahead of vote](http://gpa.net/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock--196462630_1200x.jpg?v=1603288315)
Ahead of a referendum that could upend the whole gig economy, Uber and Lyft drivers are divided over the question of whether they are employees or independent contractors. Proposition 22 will be put to voters on November 3, the same day as the presidential election. It will determine whether California's government can enforce a law, which came into effect this year, requiring on-demand companies to treat drivers as employees rather than independent contractors.
If the referendum is approved drivers will remain as independent contractors but Uber and Lyft would pay them a number of benefits promised as part of a compromise package. The benefits include a minimum wage and a contribution to health care and other forms of insurance. If the referendum fails to pass drivers would be classified as employees and become entitled to all the benefits laid out in California labour law. Yahoo! Finance explores both sides of the issue with input from the drivers who will be affected.
Ahead of a referendum that could upend the whole gig economy, Uber and Lyft drivers are divided over the question of whether they are employees or independent contractors. Proposition 22 will be put to voters on November 3, the same day as the presidential election. It will determine whether California's government can enforce a law, which came into effect this year, requiring on-demand companies to treat drivers as employees rather than independent contractors.
If the referendum is approved drivers will remain as independent contractors but Uber and Lyft would pay them a number of benefits promised as part of a compromise package. The benefits include a minimum wage and a contribution to health care and other forms of insurance. If the referendum fails to pass drivers would be classified as employees and become entitled to all the benefits laid out in California labour law. Yahoo! Finance explores both sides of the issue with input from the drivers who will be affected.
