Valley rideshare drivers on alert after Uber, Lyft threaten to shut down in CA
Uber and Lyft are threatening to shut down their operations in California as the debate heats up over how to classify their workers.
A San Francisco judge ruled Monday Uber and Lyft are violating California law AB5 by continuing to classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees with benefits like sick pay and overtime.
"We're on notice that we may be shut down in 8 days," said Monica Kissler. She said she takes precautions to keep herself and her passengers safe from coronavirus.
"Spray down the car each time; fog it out," Kissler said. "I've got plexiglass."
She wants to remain an independent contractor, and hopes this week's decision will be appealed and the companies allowed to operate until voters can give them an exemption in Proposition 22.
"We can refuse to take a ride; we can set our own rates," Kissler said. "The riders can now decline our rates, so you have a little more control on both ends. That does make us an independent contractor."
Kenneth Martinson wants the benefits that come along with being classified as an employee – like sick leave and the right to unionize.
"Right now, Uber has all of the say and we have none. If we disagree with them, we're just deactivated," Martinson said. "Uber and Lyft love to do these fear mongering and lie tactics. This is how they operate; this is all they have left."
He said business has been steady here in the valley, even during the pandemic.
And while Martinson doesn't believe the rideshare companies would actually shut down, he's urging them to see his point of view.
"All the money they spend on fighting AB5, you know, they've got a lot of money. And we wish they would just pay us instead of fighting this," Martinson said.
Uber and Lyft both said classifying their workers as employees would force them to cut thousands of drivers loose.
The judge granted a 10-day stay for the ruling. Both Uber and Lyft said they plan to appeal.
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