Prop 22 and lessons for gig workers organising against algorithmic management

The passage of Proposition 22 in California on 3 November 2020 was a parting of the waters for gig worker organising not only in California but around the country. The passage of Prop 22 with 58% voting yes on the ballot initiative written by Uber, Lyft and other big tech companies was not merely a defeat at the ballot box, it was a defeat for shifting from gig worker self-organising that led to a global strike wave in 2019 to union-led advocacy and legislative reform as a shortcut to achieve the benefits of union organising without long-term commitment and work of organising. The success of Prop 22 launched threats of similar efforts in Congress and other states that wreaked fear among some unions and have resulted in back door labour union management peace agreements that that would enshrine the third legal category of work that are now under fire.