Labor Day 2020 defined by new worker laws

EDITORIAL

Love it or dread it, work is something most of us must do in order to earn a living. And since we spend much of our lives on the job, our work essentially defines who we are.

Ideally, a job should not just be a means to earn a paycheck. It should be an occupation that conveys a sense of personal fulfillment. Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life, as the old saying goes.

Workers contribute their time and talent and add value to a society. On this Labor Day, we recognize the contributions and achievements of all American workers.

This year has been particularly tough for frontline workers. Doctors, nurses, custodians, teachers and grocery store employees have gone above-and-beyond to provide indispensable services. Because of the lockdown, many people have lost their jobs—some temporarily, others permanently.

As we arrive at Labor Day 2020, we see technology as being both a blessing and a curse. While many jobs are being lost to automation, others are being created. The advent of technology has introduced new market forces and labor crosscurrents to which all workers must adapt. It’s an interesting time indeed.

Most adults will change jobs several times in their working careers, and telecommuting has become the new buzz word.

Here’s one that hasn’t been in the lexicon before: the gig worker. Last year, state legislators passed Assembly Bill 5 requiring companies to classify their independent contractors (gig workers) as employees to make them eligible for higher wages and benefits.

But thousands of independent workers— including musicians, artists and drivers who work for app-based service providers—stand to lose more than they gain if companies decide they can’t afford to bring them on as AB 5 employees. Many workers have said they want to keep their independent status.

Some sectors have gained exemption from the law. We, in the publishing industry, were please to see state lawmakers this week approved AB 323, a bill that gives relief to newspapers and allows more time for outlets like The Acorn to adjust to the new labor law.

Additional pressure on newspapers is the last thing a free press can afford.

Taking it a step further, Proposition 22 on the Nov. 3 ballot exempts app-based transportation and delivery companies from providing employee benefits to certain drivers, essentially overriding AB 5. The combined cost-saving from AB 323 and Prop. 22 will help keep the expense for you, as an Acorn reader, to a minimum. Local journalism must not die. Indeed, it must thrive.

On Mon., Sept. 7, enjoy your Labor Day holiday. Fair pay for an honest day’s work is what this one is all about.