Here's how these 4 workplace measures on state ballots turned out
This week, several major workplace measures were up for a vote on ballots in three states. The initiatives dealt with minimum wage, paid leave, the gig economy, and affirmative action.
Here’s how those states voted on these key issues.
California
Proposition 16: This measure would have allowed public universities and local and state governments — among other institutions — to consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin when hiring or addressing diversity in admissions. It also would have reversed 1996’s Proposition 209, which bans preferential treatment by government and public institutions based on those same factors.
Did it pass? It doesn’t look good. With 83% of precincts reporting, 56.04% voted against the measure and 43.96% in favor, according to Ballotpedia.org.
Proposition 22: This California initiative exempts gig companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash from following state laws that require classifying their workers as employees. That means delivery drivers who work for these apps are considered independent contractors and receive fewer benefits, such as health care stipends, accident insurance, and pay equal to 120% of California's $13 per hour minimum wage.
Did it pass? Yes.
Colorado
Proposition 118: This measure funds 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for new parents, with an additional 4 weeks for parents who experience pregnancy or childbirth complications. It also guarantees that employees who ask for or use their paid leave can return to the same position with the same pay, benefits, and seniority or status. A payroll tax will fund the paid leave and will split evenly between employers and employees beginning in 2023.
Did it pass? Yes.
Florida
Amendment 2: The amendment would raise Florida’s minimum wage incrementally until it reaches $15 per hour in 2026. The current minimum wage is $8.56 per hour. The minimum wage would go up to $10 per hour at the end of September 2021, and it would continue to increase each September until it reaches the $15 threshold in 2026. After that, the minimum wage would be adjusted annually for inflation as it is now.
Did it pass? It looks good. With 98% of precincts reporting, 60.80% of voters are in favor of the measure and 39.20% against, according to Ballotpedia.org.
Denitsa is a reporter for Yahoo Finance and Cashay. Follow her on Twitter @denitsa_tsekova.
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