The Supreme Court is now three for three in rejecting challenges to AB5. This is California’s law that defines workers as employees rather than independent contractors if they are in the same business as the hiring company or the company that controls their work activity. Unlike contractors, employees must be paid at least minimum wages and overtime, must be reimbursed for work expenses, and are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when they are disabled by illness or injury.
In the latest challenge, the Court ruled that political signature-gathering “door-knockers” are entitled to payment of wages by the companies that hired them. The previous challenges had been leveled by trucking companies and by freelance photographers.
Attorney General Rob Bonta welcomed the court’s action. “We’ll continue to defend laws that are designed to protect workers and ensure fair labor and business practies,” his office said.
—Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle