Listen .. let me talk to Bob and see if we can put your band on contract waivers for tonight ...
Posted on 12/20/2019 10:19:33 AM PST by DoodleBob
California's governor on Wednesday signed sweeping labor legislation that aims to give wage and benefit protections to rideshare drivers at companies like Uber and Lyft and to workers across other industries.
The closely watched proposal could have national implications as lawmakers, businesses and unions confront the changing nature of work and the rise of the so-called gig economy.
"California is now setting the global standard for worker protections for other states and countries to follow," Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, the bill's author, said in a statement.
The legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom makes it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors instead of employees, who are entitled to minimum wage and benefits like workers compensation.
While effect on ridesharing and meal delivery companies has seized the spotlight, according to Gonzalez, it affects up to a million workers. That includes those working in the state's music industry and executives have warned the law would specifically crush the independent sector. Under the new law, producers, engineers, publicists, managers, dancers, background vocalists and others hired by artists could be defined as employees and subject to stringent employment regulations.
"Unless there is an exemption for the music industry, it will make every studio engineer, employees for whoever is hiring them," American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) president and CEO Richard J. Burgess told Billboard earlier this month. "On a practical level, I don't see how it can work."
Gonzalez told Billboard she had been meeting and discussing all year with artist unions and the recording industry on how this bill would impact the work of musicians, but that in the end the music industry could not come to a consensus on language. Instead, the groups preferred no amendmendment in AB5.
(Excerpt) Read more at billboard.com ...
The return of the Movie Studio Contract Players system? 1930's here we come.
California democrats are insufferably arrogant. Hey Lorena, the rest of the world has electricity and toilets.
“Under the new law, producers, engineers, publicists, managers, dancers, background vocalists and others hired by artists could be defined as employees and subject to stringent employment regulations.”
Well, the fact is, under federal law, most of those people already are employees who should be subject to those regulations. Now, a publicist or manager probably could still be considered an independent contractor, but a producer, engineer, dancer, background vocalist, session musician, etc, are almost certainly not. Since they are going to be told where, when, and how to do the work by the person hiring them, then they already are de facto employees.
Again, not all musicians are Dems, and anytime the govt hurts the people with stupid laws it is not a time to cheer.
This will not end well for California.
Once businesses leave, they are not coming back.
Is there are Hollywood Texas? If not, there may soon be.
I don’t think they’re talking about the bands themselves, they are talking more about the “support” personnel in the industry.
Just blew their ability to deduct expenses, claim QBID.
Not everyone can be available for an 8 to 5 job due to other commitments. Young women with young children are a big part of this category. This law really does hit women and children hardest.
No
I am very interested in how this hits the music industry come Jan 1. There are scores of talented young bands that live on the road and sell merch to make ends meet. I have picked up lots of good new music by paying a $10 cover charge to hear 5 bands. Obviously those bands based in CA have a big problem (since sidemen have to be paid as full time employees and receive benefits). But does this also mean the State will force venues like the Viper Room, the Roxy, the Whiskey, etc to be the policeman? Will unsigned bands avoid CA?
Keep voting democrat....
“The Gig Economy” is how I have supported myself as an independent musician/songwriter/producer for over 35 YEARS.
Thank God I am retired from the biz.
Keep it up Democrats! Soon you will have succeeded in sending all the major money making operations California is known for out of California.
Now leaving California....
I am very interested in how this hits the music industry come Jan 1. There are scores of talented young bands that live on the road and sell merch to make ends meet.
Or the members live in areas that attract visitors looking for “local” entertainment.
Yesterday, as my wife dragged me around a discount mall to buy me some warm shirts/sweaters for in the house and shopping. She said the bums on the street were better dressed than I was.
A young man, who waited on us had a great sense of humor and seemed to be very intelligent.
We told him he needed to contact some local places to use his talent.
He told us that basically, he worked at all the places we mentioned and 3-4 days a week at the store.
He said that was probably coming to an end because of this bill.
We told him about a friend of one of our adult sons, who was an excellent piano player and singer. He worked only for tips and recently retired.
We know a couple, who are considering going to the tip only. They both have excellent voices and are talented with several musical instruments. He was a CPA and didn’t play games with their tips.
If California is the new gold standard for global governance, Folks, pack your bags,, a move to another distant planet is on order.
Sadly, there is no guarantee that any escape vehicle is likely to be carrying more of the same madness with it.
Whatever leftists touch they destroy. Again.
Donning my thankfully very temporary Leftist Progressive hat to issue one of their opinions, Of course it would, why should we cut any slack for anyone merely due to age? They must meet all of our regulatory and licensing standards just like anyone else or it wouldn’t be fair. Haven’t we already closed down lemonade stands where ever we’ve found them, regardless of who is running them?
Listen .. let me talk to Bob and see if we can put your band on contract waivers for tonight ...
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