Online Public Relations Thoughts

 That's the number gig-economy companies spent in California to prevent independent workers from becoming full-time employees.  It was expensive marketing but the companies said they were fighting for their lives.  They won overwhelmingly.  One must ask how laborers' rights fit into employment that defines the gig environment.  It is not clear and we probably won't know for years, especially if the independent worker movement grows to include many more gig companies.  It is already clear that gig contractors barely make a living and are best off handling assignments as part-time jobs.  This doesn't take into account those forced to work full-time and aren't making it.  The more gig contractors, the greater the impetus to guarantee them rights, which they don't have now -- a basic wage, health care, a set number of hours worked per week.  It is a dark side of Silicon Valley, which ultimately governments will have to control.