News (10.22.20): Drivers Sue Over In-App Prop 22 Messaging, California Court Rules Uber And Lyft Must Make Drivers Employees, Businesses Reopen in NYC's Cluster Zones, But NJ Situation Worsens
Select news headlines for Thursday, October 22nd 2020
Uber drivers sue over alleged 'pressure' to vote, advocate for Prop 22 (CNN / Washington Post)
Two drivers and non-profits are suing Uber over its in-app messaging encouraging riders and drivers to vote for Prop 22, which exempts Uber and other gig companies from classifying drivers as employees.
The class action lawsuit, filed Thursday in a San Francisco Superior Court on behalf of two Uber drivers and two nonprofit organizations, alleges that Uber is "exerting extreme and wrongful pressure on its drivers to vote for and advocate for the passage of Proposition 22" through its usage of in-app messaging.
The suit alleges that the in-app messaging is a violation of California's Labor Code, which prohibits employers from controlling or directing the political activities of employees or attempting to coerce or influence employees' on engaging in any political action or political activity.
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Uber And Lyft Must Make Drivers Employees, California Court Rules (NPR)
A California appeals court says Uber and Lyft must classify their drivers as employees rather than independent contractors.
The ruling can be appealed and would essentially be moot if Proposition 22 passes on November 3rd.
"This ruling makes it more urgent than ever for voters to stand with drivers and vote yes on Prop. 22" - Lyft spokesperson Julie Wood
"Today's ruling means that if the voters don't say Yes on Proposition 22, rideshare drivers will be prevented from continuing to work as independent contractors, putting hundreds of thousands of Californians out of work and likely shutting down ridesharing throughout much of the state" said - Uber spokesperson Matt Kallman.
"This decision makes it abundantly clear that Uber and Lyft have been breaking the law for years. The only thing 'radical' and 'unprecedented' is the scope of Uber and Lyft's misconduct. This is a victory for the people of California and for every driver who has been denied fair wages, paid sick days, and other benefits by these companies." - San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera
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Businesses Reopen in NYC's Improved Cluster Zones as Situation Worsens in NJ (NBC NY)
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has set new benchmarks for reopening cluster zones.
Benchmarks are focused on positivity rates, sources of new cases, hospitalizations, new case trends and enforcement.
New Jersey reported more than 1,000 new cases for the fifth day in a row, as Gov. Phil Murphy urged all NJ residents to avoid unnecessary interstate travel.
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