Uber, Lyft-Backed Gig Initiative Meets Wary Massachusetts Court

Massachusetts voters may not realize casting a ballot in favor of an initiative that cements gig workers’ status as independent contractors could shield app-based companies from liability for accidents that involve third parties, several of the state’s high court justices suggested at a hearing Wednesday.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is considering a challenge to a ballot initiative backed by companies including Uber Technologies Inc., Lyft Inc., and DoorDash Inc. that would designate app-based delivery and ride-hailing drivers as independent contractors, while providing some benefits and guarantees for minimum wage.

A coalition of worker advocates and drivers challenged ...