Proposition 22’s poison pill

Oct 22, 2020
Oct 22, 2020 Updated Apr 13, 2025
5

Editor,

I had planned to vote for Proposition 22 until I discovered its poison pill: changing the law would require a seven-eighths supermajority vote of the state Legislature. Supporters say Proposition 22 will adapt employment rules to an evolving labor market that favors more independent contractors and gig workers instead of regular employees. But if it wins, future changes will be virtually impossible. Voting for Proposition 22 is a bet that the labor market will remain static forever after. So it’s a contradiction: It claims to favor employment flexibility and job-market adaptation while actually carving itself in stone.

(5) comments

Dirk van Ulden Oct 22, 2020 8:47am

It is not a poison pill, unless, of course, you are a die hard union supporter. The whole idea is to break the labor union stronghold that is calling the shots in Sacramento. As a result, our beautiful State has been sinking slowly into a third world equivalent so vote FOR Prop 22 before it is too late.

Tafhdyd Oct 22, 2020 11:18am

Thanks for the tip. With both you and Terence supporting 22 you have tipped the scale for me. Was uncertain about it but now I will definitely vote NO.

Dirk van Ulden Oct 24, 2020 10:20pm

Just because Terrence and I have decided not to jump over the cliff, please do not feel compelled to follow some other lemmings. We would miss you.

Terence Y Oct 22, 2020 10:26am

Actually, Mr. Halfhill, your so-called “poison pill” is just another great reason to vote Yes on 22. Nobody is forcing anybody to be an independent contractor or gig worker. These people enjoy employment flexibility and these people allow the job market to adapt to consumer needs.

Tommy Tee Oct 23, 2020 1:41pm

If Uber, Lyft, etc. is pouring a lot of money into the yes vote, I think we should definitely vote no.

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