AB 5

Mention AB5 to these workers and the conversation is over: plumbers, electricians, handyman, HVAC, welders. All say “No thanks!” San Diego Representative Gonzalez messed up to get union money. Representatives Umberg, Lowenthal and Gonzales don’t even answer our inquiries about fixing job-killing AB5.

Frank W. Lloyd

I believe that AB5 is one of the worst things that has happened to California. It has put millions of people out of work and in danger of becoming homeless. Even out-of-state businesses are refusing to hire these workers because they don’t want to suffer over-reaching governmental consequences.

The spirit of the law is not sound. This bill has nothing to do with caring about workers. It has to do with the unions wanting to gain more membership and power. It has to do with the beholding politicians who are basically supported by the unions through their huge amounts of donations and campaign support. It has to do with the California wanting to collect more and more tax money; the politicians will never have enough.

There is such a thing as a right to work.

As for the Uber and Lyft workers, they have a right to unionize if they are unhappy. But to foist their unhappiness onto the millions of independent contractors who willingly provide music, art, news, haircuts and a myriad of other services is thoughtless and undemocratic. It goes against the grain of everything this country stands for – the freedom to choose.

California is already experiencing an unprecedented exodus of priceless talent. Many various festivals, fairs and art/music-oriented functions will likely fold. Normally law-abiding citizens may choose to break the law just to put food on their tables.

Please consider the far-reaching ramifications of this egregious, self-serving legislation. AB5 should be repealed post haste before irreparable damage lays before us.

Diana Lejins