In November of 2020, Proposition 22 was making headlines everywhere. Informally known as Prop 22, the historic measure was passed by a 17 point measure due to the votes of nearly 10 million Californians! With the new proposition in order, gig workers were excited by the possibility of having flexible work as an independent contractor while also receiving the benefits and protection that Prop 22 offered.
A few of the main benefits that drivers were excited about were:
- Minimum Earnings Guarantee. A guarantee that ensured drivers would always receive at least 120% of the current minimum wage while working on any rideshare or delivery platform.
- Health Care Stipend. Through this stipend, drivers can receive up to $424.76 per month to help cover the cost of health care!
- Occupational Accident Insurance. Through Prop 22, rideshare platforms were required to finally provide additional insurance that would cover medical expenses and lost income resulting from injuries and illnesses experienced on the job.
According to Uber, since Prop 22 passed, they have “provided more than half a million California drivers with landmark benefits, including $95 million in health care benefits to date.” Further, Uber shared the following statistics:
- 88% of drivers said Prop 22 has been good for them.
- More than 3 in 4 (76%) of drivers say Prop 22 “increased my pay.”
- 75% of drivers prefer to be independent contractors, rather than employees.
- 89% of drivers say it is very important that driving provides schedule flexibility.
- 84% of drivers say other states should pass laws like Prop 22.
- This is all why drivers support Prop 22 by more than a 6-to-1 margin.
Through these various surveys over the past 2 years, we have learned that Prop 22 is vital to drivers who value independent work with the added security of benefits and insurance. The question now at hand is “should other states adopt similar propositions?”.
