Echoing an important Facebook post here today. (You’ve Liked us on Facebook, right?) It’ll speak for itself:
Want to learn more?
There are lots of ways to get involved, and online groups that are sharing stories and organizing discussions. This group, the California Independent Music Professionals United, includes a whole lotta Listers already, and is addressing many of the concerns we’re hearing about from our members. You can also read and sign up for Action Alerts from a website called AB5Facts.com, which represents “a loose coalition of freelancers and independent contractors trying to centralize information about AB5 and empower ICs across the state to fight for their livelihoods. We tell stories and make plans.” They’re just getting started, but look out!
Finally, we’ve gathered a few articles that tell the story of this wide-reaching and controversial California law, which went into effect January 1st, but is still being faced with considerable backlash and calls for adjustment, amendment and even repeal. Here’s a smattering of articles that not only discuss the law, but show that the arts are not the only sectors that are not happy with the way this went down. (Subscriptions or registration may be required to read individual articles.):
The AB5 backlash: Singers, actors, dancers, theaters sound off on freelance law — LA Times, 2/12/20 (Also featured in the Facebook post above.)
San Diego Musicians Blame New Labor Law For Hurting California’s Music Industry — San Diego ABC 7, 2/12/20
California workers blame new labor law for lost jobs. Lawmakers are scrambling to fix it — Sacramento Bee, 2/10/20
From horse handlers to tutors, California gig law AB5 frustrates contractors — San Francisco Chronicle, 2/10/20
Lorena Gonzalez likes a good fight. She got it with hotly debated AB5 — LA Times, 2/8/20
Sweeping Labor Bill Would Limit Independent Contractor Use Nationwide — Heavy Duty Trucking, 2/7/20
Can California rein in tech’s gig platforms? A primer on the bold state law that will try. — The Washington Post, 1/14/20
How AB5 has instilled fear and confusion in California’s arts community — LA Times, 1/29/20
‘ABC Test’ for Independent Contractors Set to Take Effect in California Jan. 1 — National Law Review, 12/2/19 (Includes a good explanation of the criteria established by the new law.)
