A California labor commissioner has resolved a long-standing dispute over the employment status of Uber drivers. Uber and other transportation network companies will have to adjust.
"California’s labor commissioner said a driver who connects with customers through the Uber Technologies Inc. app must be considered an employee," report Andrew Dunn, Eric Newcomer, and James Nash. The ruling, "strikes at the heart of its business model," according to the article.
To provide some context, "San Francisco-based Uber, like other 'sharing economy' startups, has built a business around a flexible car fleet piloted by people it contends are independent contractors." Although Uber is expected to appeal the decision, "[i]f upheld, the decision might require the company to provide health insurance and guarantee a minimum wage -- neither of which is required for contractors."
Uber made news on a related theme in April when it became one of the largest employers in the Bay Area. At the time, those employment figures came with the caveat that Uber did not consider their drivers to be employees of the company.
FULL STORY: A California Ruling Just Challenged Uber's Entire Business Model

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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