Uber and Lyft drivers in downtown Oakland urged voters to defeat Proposition 22 this Election Day.
A small group of app based drivers on 11th St. and Broadway held a large "Vote No on Prop. 22" sign as people headed to the polls.
Prop 22 would reverse portions of state Assembly Bill 5, which was passed earlier this year, classifying gig-workers as independent contractors and not employees.
Alan has been driving for Lyft for the last three years.
"It’s just unconscionable to leave your people, your working class people, unhealthy and unsafe," he told KCBS Radio.
He said he has to pay for gas, maintenance and insurance.
"So, if a driver’s brakes go out and maybe he’s not proficient, that puts him in danger," Alan added.
Hector drives up to 14 hours a day for Uber and Lyft to support his family.
"My daughter had to drop out of college to help me with the bills because we don’t have any workers’ compensation," he said.
The Yes on 22 campaign told KCBS Radio that the proposition would provide drivers with insurance and other benefits.
It’s estimated that Uber, Lyft and DoorDash have spent $200 million backing Prop 22. None of the companies were immediately available for comment.
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