Uber, Lyft and allies break spending records on gig worker initiative. Here's how much

[alwaysinasnit]

https://this.kiji.is/692819940542776417?c=592622757532812385

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A fight over the future of California gig drivers has drawn nearly $220 million in political spending, making it the most expensive initiative in the history of the state.

The latest campaign finance reports filed Thursday show that the Yes on Proposition 22 campaign has received nearly $200 million, mostly from five tech companies: Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Postmates and Instacart.

Uber has been the biggest contributor to the campaign, which aims to largely exempt app-based gig economy drivers from a state law that requires companies to provide more employment benefits to their workers. The company spent more than $57 million for the initiative.

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The gig business model is just another way corporations are trying to claw back advances made by, and for, workers.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

1. Why does the CA NAACP support Prop 22?

The list of organizations that support it is bizarre.

[Mr.Bill]

3. I'd be willing to bet they got a huge contribution.

Likewise MADD who also endorsed it. The airwaves have been flooded with Yes on 22 ads. Most of the ads claim this is what the drivers want, which is bullshit.

[VarryOn]

2. As a frequent Uber (and sometimes Lyft) user...

I suspect their service is going to be harder and harder to get in some areas. I know they aren't the best for their drivers, but being a good Democrat, I've always tipped very well. Even still, they cost less than a cab. I love chatting with my Uber/Lyft drivers. Interesting stories! The gig economy is a good thing, for the most part.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

4. "The gig economy is a good thing"

Is it? You can't form a union, you have no benefits, social security and medicare aren't withheld. I'd like to hear the pro gig economy argument.

[VarryOn]

6. My nephew is in the gig econ..

He works (Uber) when he wants and doesn't when he doesn't want to. Lots of his tips are in cash. He's gotten a few customers who contact him directly when they need a ride...meaning they bypass the app and giving up a cut of the fee. He met a gent who owns his own biz who needed a right-hand man to do odd jobs while allowing him to drive for Uber when he needed.

Everyone doesn't see a union as the ultimate arrangement. I worked for a sawmill several years ago and declined to pay dues to the union. I was seen as a pariah by many. The $38 per paycheck was more useful to me than the union.

I am concerned my nephew is not paying into SS and Medicare. That could bite him in the ass in the long run. But, he's a saver. And based on my advice, he's gotten catastrophic coverage with Farm Bureau.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

10. This sounds like a very libertarian argument.

I didn't realize there were anti-union Democrats. Is he reporting all his earnings? That's what pays for the roads he uses to do his job...

[VarryOn]

11. I don't know what he's reporting. It's not my business..

However, he buys gasoline at gas stations. According to Google, he pays over $.80 per gallon in tax. To me, that's not insignificant.

[msongs]

5. patrick stewart agrees with uber by appearing in their ads. no unions in starfleet nt

[BigmanPigman]

7. I rant at my TV every time I see one of their ads.

I was a freelance illustrator since they don't have full time jobs and it sucked! No benefits, busted my ass for pennies, wasted my time. I was stuck in part time jobs for years and years to supplement my art income. When I went back to college to earn a second degree I said, "it must be in a career that has a union" and I did. That teachers' union was weak but it literally saved my life when my building made us all sick. You can't live on a gig income, especially when it comes to health insur. and rent.

[kimbutgar]

8. Instead of spending money on those ads they could have just paid the drivers more

And would probably end of spending less money.

[alwaysinasnit]

9. +1000

[Malmsy]

12. Infuriating. (eom)