Workers’ Rights in the Gig Economy: What Uber, Lyft, and App-Based Platforms Owe You

California’s ongoing legal battles over gig worker classification have produced a complex, evolving landscape. Proposition 22 created a separate framework for app-based workers — but that framework still includes minimum earnings guarantees and expense protections.

What Prop 22 Provides

Under Proposition 22, app-based workers (rideshare and delivery) are entitled to: a minimum earnings guarantee of 120% of minimum wage for engaged time, expense reimbursement at 30 cents per mile (or 26 cents after 2021), healthcare subsidies for workers averaging 15+ hours per week, and accident/disability coverage. Workers who haven’t received these protections may have claims against the platform.

Prop 22 doesn’t apply to all gig workers — only rideshare and delivery. App-based workers in other industries — cleaning, personal services, skilled trades — may still be entitled to full employee status under AB 5 if they fail the ABC test. Gig workers who are uncertain about their classification should analyze their specific situation against the ABC test before assuming Prop 22 applies.

The California Wage Theft Recovery System gives workers the exact tools and templates to document violations, calculate what they’re owed, and file the right claims — without paying an attorney to get started. Request your free evaluation here.