Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
A coalition of business groups, ride-hailing companies and delivery services is touting significant voter support for legislation that would keep drivers on app-based platforms designated as independent contractors rather than employees.
The Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work, which launched last month as companies such as Uber and Lyft target worker classification reforms similar to those they secured in California, published on Tuesday the results of a poll it commissioned finding a majority of voters back a bill (H 1234) filed by Rep. Mark Cusack.
The poll of 1,003 voters told participants that a bill before the Legislature would ensure that app-based drivers retain their independence and flexibility. Voters were told the proposal would offer drivers more benefits than they have now, but not as many as they would receive if they were given full employee status.
Seventy percent of voters supported the proposal as described by pollsters, compared to 19 percent who opposed it and 11 percent who said they were not sure, according to a copy of the results provided by the coalition. The poll was conducted by Beacon Research from March 18 to March 24.
"Poll after poll shows that drivers overwhelmingly want to maintain the flexibility they have to work where and when they want," Conor Yunits, a spokesperson for the coalition, said in a statement. "Now that Massachusetts voters are starting to hear more about this issue, an overwhelming 70% support offering drivers more benefits while ensuring they keep the flexibility they value. We are confident that legislators will listen to Commonwealth workers and residents."
The issue is primed for intense debate in Massachusetts, particularly in the wake of California's passage of Proposition 22. Uber, Lyft and DoorDash together spent more than $200 million campaigning for that ballot question, which exempted them from a new state law requiring drivers to be treated as employees.
While ride-hailing companies and business groups push to keep drivers as independent contractors, Attorney General Maura Healey is suing Uber and Lyft, alleging that they violate state wage and hour laws by denying employee status. -
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments