Economy

Gig workers battle over future of work. Koch brothers machine takes on Kamala Harris donor-disclosure rule. Lawmakers try to remedy Section 8 shortage.

California's economy keeps rolling. State faces a doctor shortage. Groups switch gears on initiative to rewrite Proposition 13.

Ethnic studies plan hits roadblock. Federal class-action suit against California prisons drags on. Family reaches settlement in prison suicide.

In what could be another reflection of California's newly relevant role in the presidential primary, Elizabeth Warren penned an op-ed supporting a California bill that would make it harder for companies to classify workers as "independent contractors." 

Gov. Gavin Newsom just expanded California's paid family leave law. Will you and your baby make the most of it?

Workers weigh in on gig economy bill. What's being done to improve African-American maternal health. Should striking workers get unemployment insurance?

The California Senate Labor Committee will hold a hearing at 9:30 a.m. on July 10 on the so-called “Dynamex” bill, which would tighten rules that classify workers as independent contractors. The legislation has made headlines for posing a threat to the on-demand business models of companies such as Uber and Lyft. Read more about the […]

Allan Zaremberg, California Chamber of Commerce: The heart of the debate over the gig economy is how can we improve protections for workers, without losing the control and flexibility they value. You can’t have it both ways. Having job security means the employer will schedule your hours. Without that control, you couldn’t get morning coffee if one day all the baristas choose to sleep in.

Dani Carrillo, UC San Francisco: Undocumented workers comprise 9% of California labor force and contribute $3 billion in state and local taxes each year. They do some of the most arduous work, including landscaping, construction, restaurant work, and taking care of children and seniors. But if their health is compromised, they have few places to go.

Cap-and-trade revenue to be used to treat drinking water. Republicans lament gas tax hike. Gig work becomes a campaign issue.