BOSTON (AP) â Some gig workers and a coalition of app-based businesses including Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart are pushing a proposed ballot question in Massachusetts they say would grant new benefits for workers while stopping short of declaring them employees.
Supporters said Tuesday that the ballot question would set a minimum earnings guarantee for workers, extend new benefits including health care stipends, paid sick time and paid family and medical leave and occupational accident insurance, and protect drivers from discrimination.
At the same time, the question would maintain the status of the workers as independent contractors instead of employee. Backers of the question say that will continue to give the workers the freedom to work when, where, how often and how long they want.
Ballot Question Would Stop Short Of Declaring Mass Gig Workers Employees
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Question would grant benefits but stop short of declaring gig workers employees
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Steph Solis/masslive.com (TNS) Massachusetts is the latest battleground for the question dividing large app-based companies and some of their drivers: Are those drivers employees, who are entitled to health care, unemployment insurance and other benefits, or contractors?
Labor leaders, racial justice advocates and a handful of drivers who rallied outside of the State House Tuesday morning argue the drivers should be seen as employees with benefits and all.
“We will be seen. Our voices will be heard, and we are here to take on the gig economy and fight for our workers,” said Noemi Mimi Ramos, executive director of New England United 4 Justice. The organization represents roughly 5,000 Black and Brown residents in Boston, including independent contractors.