California ruling to give more workers benefits, experts say

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — In a big win for labor advocates, the California Supreme Court has limited businesses from classifying workers as independent contractors who can’t receive key employment protections.

Experts expect Monday’s ruling to expand the number of workers eligible for minimum wage, rest breaks and other benefits under a state wage standard.

The court unanimously adopted a broad definition for those who qualify as employees in a lawsuit that drivers brought against package delivery company Dynamex Operations West Inc.

Attorneys involved in the case said the ruling will affect other workers listed as independent contractors, including ride-sharing drivers.

An attorney for Dynamex, Robert Hulteng, declined to comment.

Kevin Ruf, an attorney for the drivers, said the court had adopted a broad definition of what constitutes employment.