Cambridge Backs Teamsters in Fight Against Worker Misclassification

The Facts -

• • Cambridge passed a resolution to stop misclassification of 'gig' company drivers as independent contractors.

• • Tom Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25, emphasised the need for such bills to protect workers' wages and benefits.

• • Big Tech's misclassification negatively impacts public resources and has deprived the state of significant revenue over the past decade.

Massachusetts City Takes Stand Against Gig Economy Misclassification

Cambridge, Mass. has followed suit with neighboring Somerville, unanimously voting a resolution to stop 'gig' companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash from misclassifying drivers as independent contractors. The council seeks the Massachusetts Legislature to pass S.627/H.1158, a law protecting Transportation Network Company (TNC) and Delivery Network Company (DNC) workers.

"These bills are crucial to our union," expressed Tom Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25. "Workers' wages, benefits, and pension plans hinge on this fight. We can't let Silicon Valley execs sabotage the quality jobs we've cultivated in Massachusetts."

The resolution, authored by Paul Toner and co-sponsored by multiple council members, highlights the negative effects of Big Tech's misclassification tactics on public resources. Companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash are draining unemployment insurance, workers' compensation and paid family leave funds, which are maintained by compliant employers. A recent financial audit revealed that over a decade, the state lost hundreds of millions in revenue due to these companies' tax evasion.

Big Tech firms are pushing for a November referendum in Massachusetts that would legitimize their unlawful misclassification practices, contradicting state and federal standards protecting workers from such misclassification.

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