Opoli Drivers: Are You Earning the Right Wages?
Free ConsultationAs a rideshare driver for Opoli, are you tired of never knowing what you’ll be paid for your time worked? Maybe you’re filled with uncertainty as your pay goes up or down depending on ride distance or peak hours. You’re also burdened with paying for all of your business expenses including insurance, auto wear and tear, gas, and more.
Rideshare drivers should be getting paid for every minute that they work, as well as having their business expenses reimbursed. Opoli treats its drivers as independent contractors in order to avoid paying them legal wages and having to provide them with business expense reimbursements and employment benefits.
California Law Classifies Opoli Drivers as Employees
In 2018, a California Supreme Court case known as Dynamex changed the law surrounding independent contractor classification in the state. In order for a worker to be classified as an independent contractor, they must pass the ABC test, which is as follows:
- The worker is free from the control and direction of the employer,
- The worker performs work that is outside the hirer’s core business, and
- The worker engages in an independently established trade, occupation, or business.
In 2019, California codified this law with AB 5, which went into effect on January 1, 2020.
The Fight Over Rideshare Driver Classification
Of course, the vast majority of rideshare companies still classify their drivers as independent contractors, which violates California law. That is, until rideshare companies funded the passage of Prop 22 in 2020. Prop 22 kept rideshare drivers (like Opoli drivers) classified as independent contractors while granting them new rights, such as a wage floor, healthcare subsidy, and a beta version of workers’ comp.
However, in August 2021, a California judge declared Prop 22 unconstitutional. This means that AB 5 is once again the law—and Opoli drivers should be classified as employees.
Benefits For Opoli Drivers
What does AB 5 mean for you as an Opoli driver? Employees in California receive benefits such as a guaranteed minimum wage, overtime wages, health care benefits, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation. Under California law, you are entitled to all of these and more.
If Opoli refuses to pay you what you’re owed, then you may be able to take legal action against them. Speak with a wage & hour lawyer from PARRIS to learn more about your rights.
Rideshare Drivers: Fight for Your Rights
If you’re an Opoli driver that would like to start a free case consultation, call PARRIS at (661) 485-2072. You pay no fees until we win your case. Our employment attorneys have represented thousands of workers across California since 1985, and have recovered over $500 million in workplace lawsuits.