Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Bill Allowing Gig Workers to Access Personal Benefits Accounts

Strategic Insights -

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers vetoed a bill that would have given gig industry workers access to personal benefits accounts, citing concerns that the proposal unfairly benefits massive ride-share and delivery businesses over their employees. The bill was supported by lawmakers who argued it would provide workers with portable benefits that could travel with them if they worked for different gig employers. However, union groups and some lawmakers opposed the measure, arguing that it eliminates essential rights of workers and does not guarantee better working conditions or benefits.

Key Takeaways:

  • The vetoed bill would have created an exemption in the state's labor law for app-based delivery companies to provide portable benefits accounts by reclassifying drivers as independent contractors.
  • The proposal aimed to provide working parents, students, retirees, and entrepreneurs with additional financial security through portable benefits accounts.
  • Supporters of the bill, including Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), argued that the veto blocks over 100,000 Wisconsinites from building additional financial security.
  • AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale opposed the measure, stating that it eliminates essential rights of workers and does not guarantee better working conditions or benefits.
  • The bill passed through the GOP-controlled Senate on largely partisan votes but received bipartisan support in the Assembly.
  • DoorDash is testing warnings about service when customers attempt to place an order without leaving a tip.

Statistics:

  • Over 100,000 Wisconsinites rely on gig economy jobs.
  • The proposal aimed to provide portable benefits accounts to gig workers.
  • 77% of Wisconsin kids aged 14-17 are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, as reported by DHS.
  • 63% of Wisconsin kids aged 5-13 are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, as reported by DHS.
  • The updated vaccination data was released by DHS on Monday.

Sources:

  • Wisconsin State Journal
  • DoorDash
  • AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale's May testimony
  • Sen. Julian Bradley's statement
  • DHS vaccination data
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC
  • Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.)
  • https://wisconsinstatejournal.com/