Assembly Bill 5 seems a much-needed relief for the thousands of disowned employees in California. In reality, the bill replicates the respect and dignity of the numerous hard-working workers who tirelessly work without security and protection.
There are already long-prevailing terrible inequalities, and the bill will help counter such social evils. The employer's moral responsibility is to provide basic protection and security to their employees. However, thousands of employers do not realize this. Assembly Bill 5 will ensure this, making it a great initiative.
During a critical situation such as this, where one-third of workers in California earn less than $15 per hour, and there's a poverty rate of 18.2%, Assembly Bill 5 is a landmark initiative. Many gig workers in various industries will now receive employee benefits from their employers. They will be awarded much-needed unemployment insurance, health care subsidies, paid parental leave, overtime pay, and a guaranteed $12 minimum hourly wage.
Academics have also upheld the landmark decision made in AB 5. "California is poised to lead the country – indeed, to lead the world – with the strongest law on record to protect workers from misclassification," said the letter, signed by a group of academics from Cornell University, University of California - Berkeley, CUNY school of law, and others.
It is the right of the workers that they have basic job protection. The use of the word 'independent contractors' by employers for the people working for them is ruthless and exploitative. Imagine if a worker, while coming to the work site, faces some uncertainty or injury and becomes unable to work that particular day; he will not only be denied any assistance from the employers for the damage or uncertainty, but also his basic daily wage.
In construction industries, injuries are prevalent, and in almost every case, they are denied compensation from their employers. This bill will bring some certainty and solace to the workers.
It has been estimated that worker misclassification costs the state $7 billion annually, a humongous amount of money taxpayers are forced to pay. They should not be paying if the companies do not cheat workers out of basic protections. Laid-off workers who are not given unemployment insurance are forced to rely on government assistance for food and basic health necessities. Already burdened taxpayers are paying for the cost-cutting strategies of the companies. This bill plays a pivotal role in putting a check on exploitative employers.
"With one clear test across our state labor laws, we will raise the standards for millions of workers and ensure they gain access to necessary rights and benefits. We can make California the global leader in protections for gig workers, janitors, construction workers, and so many working people who can't even pay their rent." Sen. Maria Elena Durazo's words exhibit the importance and benefits for the unjustly disowned workers.
The gig economy nowadays is a great contributor to economies around the world. However, the gig workers are not reciprocated with the more significant benefits they deserve. The bill is an immense consolation for the people performing an employee's duties. They won't be cheated out of minimum wage or worker's compensation anymore. Assembly Bill 5 will ensure their unemployment insurance and the right to form or join a union. Undoubtedly, AB 5 will be a great leap towards a positive and secure working society.
