The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that two ballot questions regarding the employment rights and status of gig-economy drivers comply with state requirements and will go before voters on November 5. One set of questions seeks to establish that drivers for ride-hail and delivery companies are independent contractors, not employees. The decision has set the stage for a contentious campaign between labor unions and tech companies. Supporters of the contractor question argue it would preserve driver flexibility, while critics say it would deny them benefits. A separate question cleared for the ballot would allow ride-hail drivers to unionize, backed by the Drivers Demand Justice Coalition. However, opponents of this question, including the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, argue it could lead to legal battles and increased prices for consumers. The court’s decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a setback for workers’ rights and others as a victory for drivers’ flexibility. Campaigns have until July 3 to submit enough signatures to secure a spot on the ballot. This ruling sets the stage for an intense and expensive battle leading up to the fall election.
Source
Photo credit www.wgbh.org
