Are contracted workers ‘oppressed’ in California? Debate over ‘gig’ economy heats up

A proposed law that would force companies to treat their independent contractors like full-time employees is dividing California workers, with some demanding a path to benefits and others fighting for the freedom that comes with a flexible schedule. At the crux of the argument is Assembly Bill 5, which would codify the California Supreme Court’s 2018 “Dynamex” decision that limits when companies can classify workers as independent contractors and deny them employment benefits.