The drama over Uber, Lyft, & a state law that went into effect in January.
Tech Here’s what’s happening with Uber & Lyft right now. On Aug.10, a California judge told ride-share companies that as of Aug.21, they would have to comply with a law that would force them to recognize their drivers as employees. The problem, according to Uber and Lyft, is that an overhaul of their existing employee model — where drivers are currently classified as independent contractors, not employees — could not possibly happen on that timeline. The result? Uber and Lyft threatened to shut down service in California, as of midnight. It’s complicated, but that’s not exactly what’s happening anymore. With the deadline looming, Uber and Lyft submitted an appeal to the court on Aug.13 to avoid a total shutdown, after being denied a 10-day extension from the judge. The companies seemed prepared to suspend their services in California, and Californians prepared to be rideless.
