The court heard oral arguments on May 21, 2024 with attorneys for drivers and unions arguing that voters shouldn't get to carve out exceptions to California employment law. California lawmakers strengthened the requirements for employers who employ independent contractors in 2019, in direct response to the gig economy. Prop 22 was passed in 2020 with 58% of the vote, after companies spent $200 million campaigning for it.

Some other key points:

• It exempts qualified companies from providing employee benefits like minimum wage, overtime pay, and sick leave to drivers.

• A lower court had ruled Prop 22 unconstitutional in 2021, but an appeals court largely upheld it in 2023.

• Drivers are divided, with some valuing the flexibility of gig work and others wanting employee protections and benefits.

• The court's decision could have major impacts on over 1 million California gig workers and the future of the gig economy model.

• Justices seemed open to a compromise allowing the legislature to amend Prop 22 to provide workers' compensation to drivers.

The court has 90 days to issue its ruling.