Gig drivers' job status: Washington State passes landmark bill

Washington State Senate passed a bill on Friday that grants gig drivers certain rights, benefits and protections while it also prevents them from being classified as employees. This has been the longstanding priority of companies like Uber and Lyft. It is true the vote appears to pave the way for ultimate passage after a similar measure passed the state House of Representatives last week. However, the two bills would still have to be reconciled before they can be sent to the governor for approval. 

Governor Jay Inslee has still not said if he would sign the legislation. Mike Faulk, spokesperson for Mr. Inslee said on Friday that the governor's office did not “speculate on bill action." He also added, "Once legislators send it to our office, we’ll evaluate it."

In a statement by John Scearcy, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 117, a local union, said that they are “proud to stand in solidarity with Uber and Lyft drivers in winning their demands for pay raises” and other benefits. Uber and Lyft have said that requiring to consider gig drivers as employees would change their business model and would expose them financially. 

Source: The New York Times