Uber Drivers Sue Over Alleged Coercive Prop 22 App Messaging
Two Uber drivers and two nonprofit groups are suing Uber, claiming the company illegally coerces workers into supporting Proposition 22 through its driver app. A judge recently denied a temporary restraining order in the case.
Two Uber drivers and two California nonprofit organizations file a class-action lawsuit against Uber, alleging the company illegally coerces drivers to support Proposition 22. The plaintiffs argue that Uber pushes constant political propaganda through the driver-scheduling app, causing workers to fear retaliation if they do not support the ballot measure. This initiative seeks to keep gig workers classified as independent contractors rather than employees.
The legal challenge claims that Uber's in-app solicitations intentionally frighten drivers into endorsing a measure that strips them of standard workplace protections. Opponents of Prop 22 plan to file additional legal claims against Uber, Lyft, Instacart, and DoorDash with the California Labor Commissioner. Uber strongly denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit an absurd attempt to gain press attention without regard for the facts.
A judge recently denies the plaintiffs' request for a temporary restraining order, stating the suit fails to prove that Uber actually punishes drivers for ignoring the political messaging. Despite this legal setback, the case highlights the intense battle surrounding the most-funded ballot measure in California's history, with the Yes on 22 side contributing over $185 million compared to just $12 million from the opposition.