Uber

Economy

Labor had a banner year in California — now will workers unionize?

Turning paper victories into a meaningful labor movement with more private-sector members could take work, even in pro-labor California.

By Judy Lin and Ben Christopher • September 19, 2019

WhatMatters

Tailpipe fight pits Trump against Newsom, plus gig workers, Janet Napolitano, and the end of a friendship?

Tailpipe fight pits Trump against Newsom. Battle over gig workers bill is far from over. Newsom veto may exacerbate Delta water tensions.

By Dan Morain and Ben Christopher • September 19, 2019

Economy

Who’s in, who’s out of AB 5?

AB 5 would upend longstanding employment practices that have seeped into the Democratic presidential debate about how workers should be treated, particularly in today’s gig economy.

By Judy Lin • September 11, 2019

Economy

What happens to Uber and Lyft drivers once AB 5 passes?

California is poised to pass a sweeping labor bill that would turn drivers into employees. Gig companies demand lawmakers forge a new path.

By Judy Lin • September 5, 2019

WhatMatters

Super-surge pricing, 2020 politics, Newsom’s second thoughts, and a public servant calls it a career

Gig companies threaten to take worker fight to voters. Democratic lawmakers eye 2020 ballot measures. Newsom rethinks air district board appointment.

By Dan Morain • August 30, 2019

Economy

With no carveout in hand, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash pledge $90 million to California ballot fight

Uber, Lyft and DoorDash commit $90 million to fund a ballot fight unless lawmakers agree to a new employment model for gig workers.

By Judy Lin • August 29, 2019

WhatMatters

Future of work, Hollywood, abortion, guns, money, and sexual orientation

Battle heats up on independent contractors bill. State aims to lure back film producers from anti-abortion states. Democrats take gun fight to the bank.

By Dan Morain and Judy Lin • August 27, 2019

Economy

Harris belatedly joins other presidential candidates in California fight over “gig” workers

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." 

By Ben Christopher • August 14, 2019

WhatMatters

Legislators return, the future of work, recycling crisis, UC’s shrouded side door, and segregation in 2019

Legislators return from summer break set to tackle slew of issues, including the nature of work and California's recycling crisis.

By Dan Morain and Barbara Harvey • August 12, 2019

Economy

WATCH: Gig economy hearing in the California Senate

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 […]

By Byrhonda Lyons • July 10, 2019