California: Governor Newsom signs landmark worker legislation, in stark contrast to Trump’s assault on workers and government shutdown
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~ In a stark contrast to President Trump's assault on workers and the current government shutdown, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed landmark legislation that strengthens labor rights for rideshare drivers. This move, which was joined by organized labor, gives more than 800,000 rideshare workers in California a route to union representation and higher wages.

At a time when federal workers are facing layoffs and going unpaid due to the government shutdown, California is proving that government can support working families. Governor Newsom stated, "Donald Trump is holding the government hostage and stripping away worker protections. But here in California, we are sending a different message: when workers are empowered and valued, everyone wins."

The new law, AB 1340 (Wicks, Berman), allows rideshare drivers to have the legally protected choice to unionize and engage in collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions. This is a significant step towards giving these workers a meaningful seat at the table in shaping their livelihoods.

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Tia Orr, Executive Director of SEIU California, expressed her support for the legislation stating, "Trump is gutting workers' fundamental right to come together and demand fair pay and treatment. But here in California, we are sending a different message: when workers are empowered and valued, everyone wins."

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) also spoke about the importance of this law for rideshare drivers. She stated that for too long these drivers have not had a meaningful say in their work conditions but with this new law they will have the power to stand together and negotiate for better pay and protections.

Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) added that this law marks a historic leap forward for fairness and dignity on the job for hundreds of thousands of California workers. He believes that this will help raise standards for everyone as what happens in the gig economy sets the tone for the whole economy.

This legislation comes on the heels of another landmark law signed by Governor Newsom earlier this week, which defends workers' right to organize. This law allows workers to petition the Public Employee Relations Board when the federal National Labor Relations Board fails to fulfill its duties.

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Governor Newsom also announced new funding and signed legislation to advance California's position as the epicenter of global innovation. This includes supporting the state's fusion and quantum sectors, which will help maintain California's worldwide leadership in these fields.

In addition to these efforts, Governor Newsom also announced appointments for various positions including Craig Snellings, who has been reappointed to the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. Snellings has served in this role since 2019 and was previously an Associate Trial Attorney at Hartsuyker.

With these actions, Governor Newsom is showing his commitment to supporting workers and advancing California's position as a leader in innovation and technology. While President Trump continues to strip away worker protections and cause chaos with the government shutdown, California is proving that competence and support for working families can lead to shared prosperity for all.

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