Uber, Postmates Seek Appeal in Gig-Worker Contractor Fight (1)

Uber Technologies Inc. and Postmates Inc. asked the Ninth Circuit to review a district court’s refusal to shield their drivers from California’s worker-classification law.

The on-demand ride-sharing and food-delivery companies, whose operations rely on independent contractors, moved Tuesday to appeal an order denying their request for a preliminary injunction against the hotly contested California Assembly Bill 5, which went into effect Jan. 1. Gig-economy companies believe A.B. 5 will force them to reclassify their drivers as employees, and have devoted significant resources to changing the law.

The business model of gig companies relies on contractors, as opposed to employees who ...