Marlton, N.J. — In the wake of the September 18 passage of California’s Assembly Bill 5, a bill that aims to ensure proper classification of gig-economy workers as employees rather than independent contractors, the National Limousine Association (NLA) President Gary Buffo issued a statement to members last week:
“As many of you may already be aware, the California State Senate passed Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), also known as the “gig worker” bill, Tuesday night in a 29 to 11 vote, followed by the State Assembly’s approval in a 61-16 vote Wednesday. This bill, which has been vehemently opposed by Uber and Lyft, will ensure so-called “gig economy” workers are entitled to minimum wage and workers’ compensation, among other benefits. Most importantly for the National Limousine Association, it will ensure that Uber and Lyft will finally play by the same rules as limousine operators throughout the state, justly leveling the playing field for countless NLA members and drivers.
The bill will next pass to the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom—who has publicly vowed to sign it—before going into effect January 1, 2020. Governor Newsom has become one of the most vocal proponents for the legislation, publicly supporting it in an op-ed published September 2—almost one month after the NLA and GCLA [Creater California Livery Association] jointly submitted an open letter to his office imploring him to do so. Yet for these advances, Uber and Lyft are already making desperate attempts to exempt TNCs from the law, and Newsom has made public statements he will continue negotiations with each after the signing of the bill. We will continue to ensure California government understands that making an exception to the law would undermine the entire spirit of the legislation.
For the work still to be done, this legislative victory is as important financially as it is symbolically. California is the largest economy in the United States, as well as being the home state for both Uber and Lyft, and this bill demonstrates how focused advocacy campaigns by the NLA can help legislators enact what is right for countless business owners and workers in the face of overwhelming odds by TNCs.
The NLA will continue to monitor this situation as it develops, and we look forward to updating you as the bill continues its path forward to becoming law in California. Should you have any questions, I welcome you to contact me directly at
Buffo was also interviewed for a Mashable piece about AB5, which can be read here.
Visit limo.org for more information.
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