By Senator John Moorlach
April 13, 2020
‘It’s absurd to effectively ban “gig” workers while millions are trying to figure out how to make a living from home’
With most Californians hibernating in their homes for “social distancing,” trucking has become even more important. Independent truckers bring us our food, water, medical supplies, clothing and, when available, the most essential commodity: toilet paper.
Which is why my Senate Bill 990 is absolutely crucial and ought to be passed when the California Legislature returns to Sacramento. When amended, it would suspend until January 2022 the severe restrictions on independent workers imposed by Assembly Bill 5 from last year. AB 5 restricts the freedom to work in many fields: translators, transcribers, writers, dancers and teachers, among many others.
There are too many businesses opportunities that do not fit in the “employer/employee” box. Especially independent truckers who work for multiple companies throughout the year, using their vehicles and time.
Independent truckers are truly essential because, if food is not delivered, people go hungry. If the medicines don’t go to hospitals, patients may die.
Trucking is one of the few industries recruiting more people, for obvious reasons. …
Despite the health crisis, independent truckers continue climbing into the cab of their individually owned 18-wheelers every day to make sure the routine, everyday items we take for granted are delivered. No drivers, no deliveries. No deliveries, no store shelves stocked with products.
One official who just doesn’t get this is California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. He’s continuing his legal actions against independent truckers ….
Gig workers need similar flexibility. … And independent truckers need the freedom to keep on truckin’.
SB 990 gives Californians room to debate AB 5, while keeping the economy rolling down the Interstate Highway.
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