The future of labor is leaving many question marks and much concern among those who attended a workshop about a controversial state law that went into effect this year. State Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) held the event last week to answer question about the impact of AB 5, the law...
Expert Says Fresno Anti-Leaker Plan 'Blatantly Unconstitutional'
Two councilmen supporting an anti-leaker ordinance defended their stance this weekend on Twitter amid concerns of trampling on the Constitution. The legislation, sponsored by Garry Bredefeld and Mike Karbassi in conjunction with Mayor Lee Brand, would create penalties for those leaking confidential information out of City Hall, especially from the...
Newsom Rocks the Gig Economy, Signs AB 5 Labor Bill
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed sweeping labor legislation that aims to give wage and benefit protections to California rideshare drivers at companies like Uber and Lyft and to workers across other industries. The closely watched proposal could have national implications as lawmakers, businesses and unions confront the...
California Bans Fur Trapping for Recreation, Commerce
SACRAMENTO — California on Wednesday became the first state to ban commercial fur trapping, ending the practice nearly 200 years after animals like beavers and otters introduced the American West to international trade. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he had signed a bill into law making it illegal to...
Assembly Votes to Tighten Rules on Independent Contractors
SACRAMENTO — California residents working for companies like Lyft and Uber would get the rights of employees entitled to a minimum wage and workers compensation under a law the state Assembly passed on Wednesday. The sweeping bill, which now goes to the Senate, carries new standards defining whether workers are...
Walters: A New Front in Battle Over Gig Workers
One of the most contentious – and potentially far-reaching – bills of the current legislative session is Assembly Bill 5, which would draw a legal line between the definitions of employees and contractors. AB 5, carried by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, a San Diego Democrat, is an outgrowth of a state...
Walters: Who's an Employee and Who's Not?
Lorena Gonzalez finds herself in an unusual political position this year — and clearly relishes it. Gonzalez, a Democratic assemblywoman from San Diego, is best known as a fierce warrior for worker rights and benefits, and carries a heavy load of legislation, usually on behalf of unions and other advocacy...
Did Ballot Harvesting Cause Blue Wave? Revisiting the Debate.
TJ Cox was down by more than 4,000 votes as returns were counted the night of the Nov. 6 election. As it stands now, he will be elected to Congress in the 21st district by nearly 600 votes. That drastic turnaround in Cox’s and other California races is one of the...