From Reuters, Jonathan Stempel reports that a California judge ordered Lyft and Uber to classify their drives as employees. Jonathan writes:
(Reuters) – A California judge on Monday granted the state’s request for a preliminary injunction blocking Uber Technologies Inc (UBER.N) and Lyft Inc (LYFT.O) from classifying their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.
The ruling by Judge Ethan Schulman of San Francisco Superior Court is a defeat for the ride-hailing companies, as they defend against a May 5 lawsuit by state Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.Uber and Lyft had been accused of violating Assembly Bill 5 (“AB5”), a new state law requiring companies to classify workers as employees if they controlled how workers did their jobs, or the work was part of their normal business.In a 34-page decision faulting the money-losing companies’ “prolonged and brazen refusal” to comply with state law, Schulman said the plaintiffs showed an “overwhelming likelihood” they could prove Uber and Lyft classified drivers illegally.
“This is a resounding victory for thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers who are working hard – and, in this pandemic, incurring risk every day – to provide for their families,” Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer said in a statement.Schulman delayed enforcing his order by 10 days to allow appeals, which Lyft said it will pursue.California voters are expected in November to consider a ballot measure, Proposition 22, to classify app-based drivers as contractors. The state is Uber’s and Lyft’s largest U.S. market.
Read the full story at Judge blocks Uber, Lyft from classifying drivers as contractors in California – Reuters
