Lyft, Uber will ask California voters to block employee law

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Some of the country's largest ride-sharing companies plan to ask California voters to guarantee that their drivers are independent contractors instead of employees.

They are challenging a new state law making it harder for companies like Uber and Lyft to classify their drivers as independent contractors. Making drivers employees would provide them with protections including a minimum wage and access to workers compensation.

A group called Protect App-Based Drivers and Services announced Tuesday that it will push a ballot initiative guaranteeing that drivers remain independent contractors. They would be guaranteed 120% of the minimum wage, 30 cents per mile for expenses and a health care stipend for drivers who work at least 15 hours per week.

Uber, Lyft and DoorDash have pledged a combined $90 million to support the initiative.