Strong Early Voter and Driver Support Propels Ballot Initiative that will Protect App-Based Drivers & Services

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Momentum from voters and drivers is growing rapidly in support of the Protect App-Based Drivers & Services Act – the ballot measure that would protect the right of app-based drivers to choose independent work, while providing new benefits and safety protections for drivers and the public.

As required by law, the campaign reported to the Secretary of State today that in just three weeks it had reached the 25 percent signature threshold needed to qualify the measure for the November ballot. In fact, more than 230,000 Californians have signed the petition, surpassing the 25 percent mark of the necessary 623,212 valid signatures needed to qualify.

At the same time, tens of thousands of app-based rideshare and delivery drivers have joined the coalition supporting the initiative along with small businesses, public safety leaders, community groups and on-demand rideshare and food delivery platforms.

"As a driver and a Californian, I'm not surprised at all that voter and driver support for this measure is growing at such a rapid clip," said San Diego resident Gene Peterson, a part-time actor who retired from the federal government and earns on Lyft to make extra money. "A terrible law passed last year doesn't work for us because it attempts to take away our flexibility and force us into a rigid employment model. Voters overwhelmingly side with rideshare drivers like me and support our freedom to choose flexible work. I've talked to other drivers and they're excited about this as well."

"I've talked to my friends, family and passengers and have already started gathering signatures," said Sammy Lind, a grandfather of seven who drives rideshare on the Lyft platform because he needs flexibility to help take care of his grandchildren. "We need to take action to protect our right to work as independent contractors, and to protect the on demand rideshare and delivery services that millions of Californians rely on every day. It's great to be part of something supported by so many drivers and voters."

The Protect App-Based Drivers & Services Act would allow drivers to continue to work as independent contractors with flexibility over when, where and how long they work – while providing drivers with new earning guarantees and historic benefits for on-demand workers. It would also implement new public safety protections, including recurring background checks of drivers, mandatory safety training of drivers, zero tolerance for alcohol and drug offenses, and a cap on driver hours per day to prevent sleepy driving.

In addition to the flexible work opportunities app-based rideshare and delivery services provide for drivers, these services also reduce impaired and drunk driving, improve mobility for seniors and the disabled, and provide new transportation options for families who cannot afford a vehicle. These services also provide convenient and affordable restaurant and grocery delivery services that help connect consumers and small businesses.

The campaign expects to collect approximately 1,000,000 signatures -- well beyond the 623,212 valid signatures required to qualify the measure for the November ballot, and is confident voters will approve this measure to protect app-based drivers and services.

BACKGROUND 
If passed by voters in November, the Protect App-Based Drivers & Services Act would:

• Protect the right of app-based drivers to work as independent contractors if certain criteria are met, such as having control over their own hours and when, where, how long they work, and the ability to work on multiple platforms.
• Require historic new benefits and protections, including a minimum earning guarantee equal to 120 percent of the minimum wage plus $.30 per-mile toward expenses. Using this formula the minimum pay guarantee works out to approximately $21 per engaged hour in gross pay. This is the minimum drivers would earn and they will still have the potential to always earn more with no limit on how much they can earn.
• A health care contribution equal to 100 percent of the average employer contribution toward a Covered California Plan, or $367 per month to a driver on average. Drivers start earning this contribution at 15 hours per week and reach the full amount at 25 hours per week. Drivers can earn multiple contributions from multiple companies.
• The health care contribution in the ballot measure is more generous than state and federal laws, which only require health care to be provided to those working more than 30 hours per week, with no benefits for part time workers.
• Occupational accident coverage to cover on-the-job injuries, similar to workers compensation insurance.
• Enhanced auto and liability insurance.

The measure would also provide new customer and public safety protections, including: 

• Recurring background checks of drivers.
• Mandatory safety training of drivers.
• Zero tolerance for alcohol and drug offenses.
• A cap on driver hours per day to prevent sleepy driving.

For more information go to Protect Drivers & Services.

Paid for by Protect App-Based Drivers and Services, a coalition of on-demand drivers and network companies, small businesses, community groups and public safety organizations. Committee Major Funding from Lyft, DoorDash, and Uber Technologies.

Twitter: @CAForDriverFlex
Facebook: @CAForDriverFlex

SOURCE Protect App-Based Drivers and Services

Related Links

https://protectdriversandservices.com