LOS ANGELES — A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled today against Uber and Postmate's challenge of AB5, the controversial labor legislation designed to regulate the "gig economy." The legislation has resulted in much confusion for workers and employers that might be affected by it, including those in the adult industry.
Uber and Postmates had requested that a federal court halt enforcement of AB5, which became state law on January 1, after being championed by some unions and California assemblyperson Lorena Gonzalez.
In a 24-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee stated that "the balance of equities and the public interest weigh in favor of permitting the state to enforce this legislation."
The companies' case was filed December 30, 2019 in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, calling AB5 "irrational and unconstitutional."
Judge Gee disagreed, asserting that some of the exceptions that representatives for several mainstream professions had obtained from lawmakers had "rational explanations." Those professions do not include sex workers or performers.
For more from XBIZ coverage of AB5, click here.
