Lawmakers, gig workers push for Evers to sign portable benefits bill – Washington Examiner
Wisconsin lawmakers and gig workers gathered at the state Capitol urging governor Tony Evers to sign a bill that would establish portable benefits plans for gig economy workers, such as drivers for Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. The proposed legislation would allow these workers to create benefits accounts, including healthcare and retirement, that are portable across different gigs. However, some groups, including the wisconsin AFL-CIO, oppose the bill, fearing it could reclassify drivers as autonomous contractors rather than employees, possibly reducing their labor protections. Supporters argue the bill respects drivers’ wishes to maintain independent contractor status while providing modern benefits. Eligible drivers making at least $750 annually could receive contributions from companies toward these benefits. Lawmakers hope Governor evers will consider the bill to find common ground for gig workers’ benefit needs.
Lawmakers, gig workers push for Evers to sign portable benefits bill
(The Center Square) – Wisconsin lawmakers and gig workers gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday to ask Gov. Tony Evers to sign a bill that would allow gig workers to have portable benefits plans that travel with them as they do work for companies such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and more.
The bill would allow gig workers to create portable benefits options such as health care and retirement accounts, though some groups including the Wisconsin AFL-CIO have organized protests of it passing, saying they are concerned the bill would strip app-based transportation and delivery drivers of employee status and reclassify drivers as independent contractors.
Sen. Julian Bradley, R-New Berlin, said that the bill allows drivers to be the independent contractors, not full-time employees, that they want to be.
“If a company were to offer this, these drivers would lose their independent contractor status,” Bradley said.
Drivers who make $750 in a calendar year are eligible for a portable benefits account, with the company being obligated to pay 4% of the driver’s earnings in the previous quarter, minus tips, if a company contributes to the account.
“Modern workers deserve modern solutions,” said DoorDash driver Rachel Smith of New Berlin.
Bradley and Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, D–Milwaukee, said that they have not spoken to Evers about the bill.
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Rep. Alex Dallman, R-Markesan, was the bill’s lead author in the Assembly.
“I think that it’s important for him to take a really good look at this,” Ortiz-Velez said. “Sit down, let’s have a chat. I feel like there’s a place for us to come to a common ground for the common good.”
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