Chronic Freelancer Mike Rowe Goes to Bat for Independent Contractors In America | The Way I Heard It

In this special edition of “The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe,” I explore why California’s Assembly Bill 5 destroyed the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of independent contractors and how the national version, the PRO Act, will prevent over 70 million Americans from working the way they want to.
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Akash Chougule's father came to America from India with $26 in his pocket, but still managed to get a job and make a life for himself. That perseverance inspired Akash to pursue his own definition of the American Dream. Today, he is the vice president of Americans for Prosperity, the largest free-market grassroots advocacy organization in the country.
Stand Together is a philanthropic community. We help America’s boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country’s biggest problems.

[@calnative4904]

I’m so sick and tired of “government” trying to control every aspect of my life. Politicians trying to put their name on something. Enough is enough.

[@oldguy5381]

It’s not so much the government, it’s the big rich and powerful that controls our government. They want it all, they see you as a tool something to use. They don’t want the competition.

[@joecarey4356]

That's what democrats do.

[@lechatbotte.]

We the people stop directing things and that’s how that came to be. Not all Americans but a lot of them.

[@Ezekio3160]

Too late government too big to shrink back to 1776

[@FW-jq1ox]

I agree there should be NO govt control for personal matters like birth control, but there are some areas like workplace safety & worker’s rights that government oversight is necessary. We didn’t get 40 hour work weeks and 2 days off because companies were benevolent out of their own heart. Government also had to finally get around to busting up monopolies when businesses got too greedy. But in general, I agree that less overreach by government or companies is better.

[@EricKing1976]

I've been a self employed construction contractor for 25 wonderful years. The freedom to choose who I work for is why I do it. I appreciate what you say and do for us all. Thank you Mike.

[@michaelbranham5854]

Do you work for the same people or business only? Do you negotiate the pay you get? The business that they are targeting hands out application's and the employee/contractor has zero negotiation of salary, days off and so on. But for politics sake they have included people who don't need that protection so they will fight for the business that do extort employees in the name of contractors

[@EricKing1976]

@lbranham5854 When I go to a potential customers home to give them a free bid, I'll profile them as to how good of a customer they'll be. I choose who I do work for and therefore I'll only answer to that customer for the duration of their project. Then I'm on to the next adventure. Human resources departments can stay far away from me. I recommend working for yourself. There is nothing better. I hope that answers your questions. Thanks!

[@dirkmcgirk2017]

​@@michaelbranham5854those people do not need to accept those jobs if they feel that they are not being treated right.

[@BCA-1]

​@michaelbranham5854 does it matter? I, like the man above work for who I want to when I want to. I buy my own benefits, and am my own boss. I have my own insurance, employees, and pay taxes. I don't need anything you mentioned. I go to work when where I want to. I offer pay to whoever works for me, they don't like it, they can go somewhere else. That's freedom, choice.

[@kcender3771]

I'm with you brother. Being your own man/woman is something a lot of people just don't understand today. We don't complain about the long hours bc we enjoy what we do even as government makes it harder and harder to stay in business. @@BCA-1

[@timothypryor7952]

I'm an independent contractor in Cyber Security. I help small businesses be secure against cyber threats. I'm going to start offering cyber security training for independent contractors as a class thanks to this video. You've inspired me to expand my business. Thanks Mike.

[@michaelmacias8778]

Want to take on an intern? Desperately need the experience. Took a cybersecurity bootcamp and recently passed my CompTIA A+. Going to take the Security+ within the next month. I’ve also got teaching experience if you need help with your security trainings.

[@asaltnado5168]

Would enjoy learn and help.

[@in2gravitylife]

I've heard government talking about how they support small business, but implement policies that hurt those same small businesses. I was an independent business man that became affected by government policies and had to go to work for big business to survive. The problem is simply too much government control!!!

[@radioroger1683]

The states and feds are exempting uninsured, non-tax paying day laborers, giving them work permits exempting them from the laws that put millions of tax paying workers out of work

[@joshlogan8267]

But help oligarchs. The problem is Oligarch control.

[@shawnmayo8210]

I've heard progressive AND conservative governments each do this. "none of the above" needs to be an option for the people of any democracy.

[@bastait]

i try to tell people and get called a fool constantly i want to work for a private business.

[@fahqkitty]

@@shawnmayo8210RFK Jr

[@timneufeld2700]

I’ve been self employed for 12 years. The place I worked at for 17 years prior to that used to be very flexible with our time and personal needs. They empowered us employees by telling us what the production goals were and set allowances on spending in our departments. We all knew what needed to be done and if someone had need for time off for anything the rest of the team could easily fill the gaps. We always met our goals together. Then that changed with new management. We were not told why except with generic statements like “it’s the principal of the thing “ or “that’s not how it works “. We could no longer contribute in problem solving or time management and quality control. Punch in and punch out. “We own your time “. That is what lead me to look into self employment in a previous trade. If that was to be taken from me and many people like me, I fear that it would be another huge step towards the end of freedom. No amount of government programs meant to look after my needs would ever make up for the loss of that freedom.

[@Rocko1II]

Self employment isn't being taken away. You can contract yourself all day. You can't exploit pools of contractors and call it a business. If you can get the contract one on one cool but if that contract tells you how and when to do the job it isn't a contract it's employment without the benefits which is exploitation

[@DianeMerriam]

@@Rocko1IIThe person what the terms of employment are. That is the difference. It's not exploitation if that is what you .

[@juliafox52]

​@@Rocko1IIOnly a(n/ useful) idiot uses the term "exploitation" to describe an agreement between two independent decision makers. Drop your Marxist indoctrination and understand that there are trade-offsany of us do NOT want to make. Most of us do NOT want to be slaves to corporations and that is what this does. It is a government-corporate conspiracy to corner the market and enslave us in fascism. To be fair, the first people they'll put against the wall are the Marxists, if history is anything to show.

[@joshstamey4136]

Mike Rowe is the kind of American we should all aspire to be.

[@smkandmrr]

Mike is a shit stain on this country!🇺🇸🍻

[@smkandmrr]

Why?

[@tedtalksrock]

An actor?

[@alexkrimberg6895]

An anti-union shill?

[@joshstamey4136]

@@alexkrimberg6895 if you’ve ever been in a nuke power plant or an auto manufacturing plant controlled by unions or talked to guys in the pipe fitter’s union, you’d know they are only there to line the union leaders pockets and create bureaucracies that slow down actual production.

[@iamthemagnificentjar]

Mike Rowe is a national treasure. This is important stuff that I haven’t heard of from anywhere else.

[@tedtalksrock]

This is an ad from a lobby group who paid MIKE Rowe to influence your vote. This is UBER with a Mike Rowe mask on. They don’t want to pay people. This legislation would help the people that UBER take advantage of. How much did you get PAID Mikey?

[@ErikStenbakken]

I was a self-employed commercial photographer for over 20 years. I hired assistants on an as-needed basis when big jobs came up. $350-$500 a day for a skilled assistant was not uncommon. Colorado passed a law like this making me treat an assistant hired for ONE DAY like a full employee. I had to pay state unemployment😮 insurance, workers comp insurance, state withholding, federal withholding, and full reporting for new hire with the state. For a ONE DAY GIG! The work wasn’t worth it, so I quit hiring ANYBODY. Eventually left the marketplace and as a result, didn’t re-hire for a full time employee (because I didn’t have enough hands to do the bigger jobs). This kind of law killed three jobs: freelancer’s, my employee, and my (former) job.

[@LifelessProjektion_EmptyInside]

I have a question. Would you advocate for healthcare for all? What I see from this is you, as a company, being upset that you have to pay for someones insurance therefore cutting into your profits. If we had national healthcare for everyone payed by taxes then that person you are hiring wouldnt have to spend the money they earned from working for you and others for a day and you wouldnt have to go through all that hullabaloo with the hiring process you described. This is my first time hearing about this PRO act and the independent contractors’ side of the story so im trying to understand this a little better. I certainly am thrilled that independent contractors are sticking together and fighting for their freedom to be independent and use their labor how THEY want to instead of companies or whatever telling you what you can and cannot do woth your labor, im all for that. Would love to hear what you have to say about my comment. Thanks

[@lorip1435]

@@LifelessProjektion_EmptyInside From an accounting perspective, making someone an employee requires a whole lot of paperwork, and accounting for payroll which is energy and time consuming.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@LifelessProjektion_EmptyInsidemedical ins is hugely expensive Requiring that for anyone working means the 1099s would earn alot less And they wouldn’t be 1099s anymore! It would be a terrifying nightmare at tax return time!

[@SkylearJ]

​@@LifelessProjektion_EmptyInsideThere is no right to healthcare. Asking everyone to pay for everyone else's needs is immoral.

[@LifelessProjektion_EmptyInside]

@@SkylearJ no, leaving people to die because they cant afford healthcare is immoral.

[@AXISpresident]

I work as an Audio Engineer for live events, concerts, and festivals. California has DESTROYED the independent job market. In real numbers... I lost 40% of my income last year for no reason and with no warning because people can no longer hire me.

[@stepht5]

That’s terrible!

[@LRRPFco52]

Have you moved yet?

[@francispitts9440]

And there’s a lot of people who actually push the idea of having Gavin Newsome replace Biden in the coming presidential election. He’s satan in the flesh. How anyone could look at California and think he’s good for any office is beyond me.

[@Triaxx2]

@@LRRPFco52He probably can't afford to.

[@BetaBuxDelux]

🎵 “Ain’t that America…” 🎶

[@heartland_aviator]

The freedom to choose is what America is built on. Special interests are looking to take that away. Thanks, Mike, for informing us on this issue.

[@paulrapp613]

The right to fail is implicit in the right to be free.

[@cladinshadow]

Freelance worker in Cali here. Screw these laws. I never have and never will pay a damn cent to a union. I work for myself contracting to companies I want to associate with. I don’t care what laws they pass, I will find a way around them.

[@ericgould9056]

Let’s not forget what the Unaffordable Healthcare Act has done to independent contractors.

[@RICDirector]

And for balance, what it HAS done for those who could never have gotten ANY insurance before.

[@juliafox52]

​@@RICDirectorYes, make the young and healthy burdened with paying for fat, lazy, unhealthy older people who want magic pills for free...all while they will never be able to own a home or be anything other than an indentured servant, but thank God for socialized healthcare.

[@tomkrysiak3224]

It's an election year. Ask candidates in your area where they stand on the Pro Act. If they look at you blankly, educate them. If, they know, and support it, express to them your support for their opponent.

[@bipslone8880]

Mike Rowe is an true conservative...... anti-intellectual, anti-Union, pro-Big Corporation.. He pushes Koch brother propaganda.... HE IS DISGUSTING

[@Cecilyeg]

Excellent suggestion!!

[@mehg8407]

lol Pro act is an absolutely good thing. You are really trusting a rich guy that wants and needs cheap labor?

[@bipslone8880]

@@CecilyegUnions will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Mike Rowe is a Koch family bootlicker. He isn't pro worker, he's pro no benefits and lower wages....more corporate profit.

[@bipslone8880]

@@CecilyegUnions will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. Mike Rowe is a Koch family bootlicker. He isn't pro worker, he's pro no benefits and lower wages....more corporate profit.

[@patrickm4566]

Independent landscape contractor here. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, this is the first I had heard about it. I have always enjoyed your shows and podcasts, thank you so much for all you do for working class America. Love you man!

[@michaelsisco8483]

What have you learned after looking into it?

[@andrewxiaoping1852]

@@michaelsisco8483 It could force you into a labor union involuntarily if you are an independent contractor ("for the purpose of federal labor law"), and it nullifies the "right to work" laws that exist in many states (including my own). Seems like a bad bill to me.

[@smkandmrr]

@@andrewxiaoping1852 when have " right to work " laws ever been pro working class?

[@andrewxiaoping1852]

@mrr Fairly often, if they did not exist, there would not be near as much competition for employees in my state as there currently is. I can easily get multiple job offers, even as a convicted felon (even though that was over 10 years ago). Due to the fact that my industry is not heavily unionized, allowing contractors to offer my services at a rate that my employers and I are willing to accept.

[@angels22faz]

@@smkandmrr never, its a bad joke to think right to work is a good thing. but sadly thats only a lesson you can learn the hard way. most people dont figure that out till its too late.

[@steves6320]

Mike Rowe is probably the best advocate for the working person, and, in particular, the independent working person. Keep fighting for us, Mike!

[@Chris-lp3dm]

I agree about Mike Rowe but this video fails for me. Claims are made but never explained. I get that sort of thing from politicians all the time. I want these unintended consequences explained. So far, reading the PRO Act looks okay by me, so how do these unintended consequences happen?

[@dickeysgarage]

​@@Chris-lp3dm Reviewing the 101(b) section seems to limit an independent contractor to someone who does work for an employer outside the usual course of business. That seems suspect to me as I've worked plenty of jobs where a few contractors were brought on board for a project and let go after the contract ran its course and every task was completed. If these individuals are redefined as full employees, a company would be required to pay out benefits and accommodate layoff protections for what should be standard contract work that everyone benefits from. To the employer, it wouldn't make sense to hire contractors for temporary gigs and contractors wouldn't be able to leverage specialized skill sets to chase down big paydays from companies that would otherwise be willing to pay to get a single product or project phase completed on time. I am not a lawyer, I may be misinterpreting what the wording of the bill means to convey but I see no reason to give the federal government the benefit of the doubt either. From my personal experience, it is much easier to control people who have only ever known employment through W2 and 1040 forms.

[@DrMJJr]

😂😂😂😂

[@CommanderRedEXE]

​@@Chris-lp3dm Just look at California. Independent Contractors there have almost all had 40-60% drops in income. That is NOT a small amount. This is purely Unions seeking to become more powerful, but Unions(I'm unionize and could go on for hours about how they serve the corps over us workers) mostly work for corporations and government nowadays.

[@Chris-lp3dm]

@@CommanderRedEXE I've no love for California, in fact I avoid entering the state when I travel. But my problem with what Mike Rowe is saying here is unchanged. I need to hear the "How" it all goes off the rails? I want it explained in detail. How would a proposed new Federal law, which is what he is talking about, do the things being claimed?

[@ms.r9000]

Being contractors (IT & Accounting) has given us the freedom to work when we want to work, take time off when we want to and to travel full-time in an RV to visit this amazing country we're blessed to live in. Our income is higher but, more importantly, we're happier! We enjoy the freedom to work for whom, how much, when and where we want to and to take the time off we want and/or need. I had a 2 year health crisis and the Hubster was able to take the time needed to take care of me, our home and our pets. No way could he have done that working as an employee. Mike, thanks for another fantastic piece! God Bless!

[@raeyner]

Man, this guy was my entire childhood. I'm thankful for my upbringing for teaching me important values from great figures.

[@hunternotbiden]

Need more like him. The voice of reason with integrity!!

[@michelleharris750]

I have a friend in Cali who had an independent contractor business. She’s been essentially put out of work because of AB5. The state is doing “random” audits of people’s finances to see if they have earned money as an independent contractor. This will put a stranglehold on the economy!

[@radioroger1683]

California has a $73 billion and growing deficit due to AB5 and its effects of 100s of 1000s of taxpayers unable to work 100s of businesses who left or closed their doors because it mandated who they could and could not hire It exempted uninsured, non-tax paying day laborers

[@mescalito3156]

was an independent contractor for 30 yrs, The freedom to rule ones own destiny is not only about your work life, its the base of what it means to be AMERICAN

[@eetoved1758]

Amen

[@dolfan1318]

TRUER words were NEVER spoken! 💪🇺🇲💯

[@ammonheinzen8536]

Mike Rowe, you're a legend! I grew up watching Dirty Jobs. Thank you for advocating for independent contractors and for the tradesmen and skilled labor professions! Keep up the great work. I am actively promoting the tradesmen professions in my own family and to my children. Thank you, for all that you do!

[@TOPDirt]

Thanks Mike and team for bringing the truth and exposing this overreaching government!

[@bobloomis246]

Been a contract media and training developer for 20 years and basically a One Man Band-no employees. It seems every year things just get crazier. I can't go direct to large corporate employers anymore because they have this thing called 'preferred vendors.' If you're not on that list you have no chance of getting work. So I go thru other consultants and contract farmers. Now these hiring consultants require that I have Workmans Comp-for myself. Absurd. All just to prove that I'm an independent contractor. Enough already!

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Yes that list is their employees, no matter what they want to label it

[@Urziel99]

@@YeshuaKingMessiah Ignoring all the things contractors can do that employees can't.

[@bryanferguson3157]

I appreciated that Will Swaim acknowledged the noble goal of stopping exploitation of workers. He didn’t act like this whole concept is crazy and came out of nowhere. It has gone way too far with that law though. All the evidence you need to prove that’s true is by looking at the many subsequent carve outs they had to put in for specific industries as time went on. If you need this many carveouts, it’s way too broad to attach to the rest of the State. What alone the rest of the country

[@SylviaXTan]

Can California simply keep their BS to themselves, and leave the rest of the country alone? Thank you Mike to speak up!

[@radioroger1683]

Many independent workers and businesses left California for Right to Work/Employ states and were thriving A few I know said it was the best decision they ever made, They are not getting the pay they use to BUT everything is far far cheaper

[@axidhaus]

The worst part is it’s a total shit idea and they’re spreading it around like it’s chocolate

[@axidhaus]

It’s not fascist it’s California totalitarianism

[@juliegouker4946]

They don't want you having anything, they will try to stop you. Great video!

[@vicwiseman6038]

I am a federal employee and I left my union. What I learned is that unions can be very detrimental to employees. They can actually benefit the employer by negotiating pay that doesn’t keep up with inflation and that will help reduce turnover due to unhappy employees leaving for greener pastures. I understand there are good unions out there but they are a very small number. On top of this, poor performing employees are often unpunished and are often promoted. It’s the good old boy club with these unions and if you aren’t in it, they won’t protect you. Often the union simply goes along with whatever the employer demands and only “fights” when it know it’s an easy win because the employer wants the same thing anyway. I believe the government is trying to pass this act in order to make more Americans dependent on them or an employer that they control and to eliminate tax breaks and under-the-table work. They want power and they want to achieve this by eliminating employment options for those who go against the grain. If your politics don’t align or you are anti-vaccine mandate, they don’t want you causing staff shortages by going to work for someone else. This law is as UnAmerican as laws get. It’s an infringement on our right to work for whomever, whenever, and wherever we want. It’s an infringement on our freedom of speech too as disenfranchised employees will have no alternative left and will be unable to vote with their feet. They want us to be in a constant fear of losing our job or means to earn if we don’t toe the party line. Think of the trucker protests.

[@michaels.3709]

You mentioned that your old union fought for wages that didn't scale with inflation, but that sounds more like a problem with management than a problem with the union, no? The union didn't fight for *lower* wages, right? Same with the promotions issue. Wouldn't that have been management's call, not the union? Or was the management also part of the union? I'm not unionized and was ever only part of a union as a student working at a grocery store I've a summer, so my personal experience with unions is... well, I think my first paycheck that summer was smaller because of union dues, but that's really it. I don't think I even met our rep. Anyway, I'm curious what else your old union did that made it bad. I hear a lot of very theoretical discussions about the purpose of unions (collective bargaining, etc), but haven't had much first-hand experience. Edit: thought of more questions and added them.

[@radioroger1683]

In my younger years I was in two unions, betrayed by them Became an independent contractor for 35 years, was extremely successful until union backed AB5 betrayed me again!

[@trenchtierstudios554]

@@radioroger1683 was in only one union; transferred to a higher paying position in the company just for a union steward to go out of his way to get me disqualified for the position so his buddy could get it.

[@michaels.3709]

@@trenchtierstudios554 I'm genuinely confused about union power dynamics now. So union reps can influence hiring and promotions? How do they disqualify you from promotion if that's typically done by management? What sort of work was this in? Sorry for all the questions. I said in another post that I've never worked in a unionized field before and so have essentially no first-hand experience about how they function in practice.

[@trenchtierstudios554]

@@michaels.3709 well union jobs are usually given based on seniority. So the actual company doesn't have much of a say on who gets the job. On the other hand, a union steward has the ability to get you removed from the job if they just don't like you. Saying that you are not doing the job properly or fast enough. Thus the company can either force you back to your old position or fire you if you are a new hire. The union won't do anything because it's a union steward who is saying this.

[@DeanWinner-hs4bp]

We the people have got to stand up and DEMAND that our elected officials beginning work for us and NOT for the big business and or union lobbies. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

[@chaplainwade]

This is one of the absolute most important bills Congress is contemplating right now! If this were to pass, we would no longer be a country that supports freedom. We would be a top-down instead of a bottom-up government. That is not the United States, PERIOD!!! We need to share this with every representative we can and, of course, with every one of our friends in the social media atmosphere. Thank you for bringing this to light, Mike!

[@danielcarney6193]

"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help. " Ronald Reagan, I think that says it all right there. The politicians today are here to help, they aren't lying. They just aren't here to help the people, the citizens, the voters, They are here to help themselves, and those who pay them the highest to create laws to benefit big government and big business, not small business. They are her to help their ideology reign supreme, even if that ideology spits in the face of freedom and the constitution that this country was founded upon, which has written within that constitution, restrictions for the government, not the people. Thank You Mike, for being a voice that opens the door for all the little people that make this country what is once was and hopefully will be again.

[@jasonmartin7137]

I'm surprised I had to scroll this far down to find this comment.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Ronnie screwed us on FOPA 1986

[@richardobryan8041]

maryland has been blocking us (small contractors) for years. licensing has become a jump through hoops and pay more money game for a while. first a gc, then a home improvement, then a new homes builder license. Short term employees became full carry employees, then if you hired guys with their own license and they are on consecutive jobs w your company, they are your employees....it is all about that TAX dollar, they can't stand to think someone might make a dollar they don't know about and can't get their cut from it. same thing has been going on with free lance owner operators in trucking. all tradesmen have known this is going on for decades, at one point they even had offers for guys to turn each other in...America First...right?

[@bobjordan8283]

I'm pretty sure my great grandfather who immigrated from Ireland didn't ask the Government for permission when he took a risk and opened a general store in Missouri before the Civil War!! In fact my family really wants the Government to leave us the F alone!!

[@whatthehell2592]

I’ve been an independent contractor on and off for 40 years . Get fed up go work for someone, then back. Get a call to build a building, some times as an employee, sometimes as a contractor. Always wanted to pick and choose what I did.

[@clararodriguez6957]

Keep your freedom to be able to work as you please, when and where and with whom.. and make as much or little as you so please....Stand and fight for your rights and freedoms!!! Don't give up, stand up and make your rights known....

[@tribyte4813]

I am so grateful for Mike posting this. I have not heard about it from anywhere.

[@ThePropertyProject]

People need to be educated on these things. Thank you for the coverage

[@smkandmrr]

Fear mongering without an explanation of the bill is education?

[@ThePropertyProject]

@@smkandmrr I'm familiar with the version in California. Regardless i still maintain that education on what your elected officials are trying to pass is important.

[@smkandmrr]

@@ThePropertyProject I agree. Not exactly sure why you think this segment did anything to educate anyone. Not a single fact was laid out. Just opinion without basis. My elected officials? Lol. Okay buddy.

[@richarderickson8840]

The instant I heard Calf, first thought WE ARE SCREWED. I would like to add, If I pay someone to do a job for me, they are now now a Professional.

[@maddhatter3564]

Politicians hate not being able to have total control.

[@gregparks307]

I love you Mike. You are a real American, and man. Don't ever change.

[@TheDukeOfYork1776]

Thank you Mike for standing up for the little guys

[@boblewandowski5040]

Mike Great information, HOWEVER, you neglected to do a recap of the bill so that we may determine our opinion on the pros and cons of the bill

[@ricklewis4442]

I was an independent contracting engineer for 12 years while my kids were little. It allowed me to make enough money in six months to be a stay at home dad the other six months. I only took a normal job once my youngest started school. No job would have ever allowed me to spend so much time with my kids.

[@LeverPhile]

They want to put everyone in their 'proper' place.

[@TeresaMorgan1965]

The freedom to be home with the kids is a big reason to be self employed. Husband and I have been doing it for 10 years.

[@clintho1]

I love that Mike says the thing about the person before they say it about them selves. Comedy gold, Mike!😂

[@williamj3359]

Thank you for saying this Mr. Rowe!

[@0num4]

I'm one of the owners of a small, family-operated business (along with my wife, SIL, MIL, and FIL). We hire an independent contractor to support our shop as needed (and as our customers need--it's an auxiliary function, but it's mutually beneficial). We can't afford to hire this contractor as a full-time employee, because our revenue is up and down, heavily dependent on seasons. We can't afford to provide this individual benefits. Acts like this would sink us if forced into a position where we either hire the contractor as employee, or lose that mutually-supportive business altogether. Bad ideas.

[@juliafox52]

Coupled with all of the illegal aliens, it's as though they want you to hire under the table, pay in cash, and hope and pray the illegal doesn't get angry and turn you in so that YOU get in trouble.

[@richardbrown8113]

A small federal government only able to protect the boarders, and mediate disputes between the states is the thing we need. The states should govern themselves….like architects of this country intended.

[@robmclaughlin420]

You have such a way of stating the story. Love it.

[@jeff669]

Thanks for speaking up Mike.

[@kenellsworth2409]

We get applicants all the time from California. Our Attorney has told us absolutely not to hire anyone from California. The other day my wife interviewed a young lady and was in tears after because she had to tell her we could not hire her because she lived in California. She said the young lady had obviously been turned down by other companies as she said "it's because of California's laws isn't it?"

[@Urziel99]

Just have to say yes, elections have consequences.

[@DianeMerriam]

@@Urziel99 Yes. And the consequence of voting in the government of California is that a lot of people lost their businesses, their careers, their part time work, and basically destroyed almost any choice that involved doing work by yourself instead of as an employee.

[@Urziel99]

@@DianeMerriam then people will learn when their economy collapses around them and even more people leave the state.

[@22howards]

This also very much hurts retired folks also. I was looking forward to doing some consulting. Fumbling Joe has been lying and has been creating obstacles his entire career. I hope we can stop this. Thanks Mike!

[@coproductions9378]

YEE YEE Love Mike ROWE He is a Great Rational Patriot for Our Country! THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

[@jefferykeeper9034]

I'm with Mike 100% on this, because small business is the back bones of America

[@MrTheDif]

I run a small technical development agency in Texas. Instead of hiring other Americans on a gig by gig basis, I'd be forced to hire them as employees which I couldn't do right now if I wanted to and it would shut me down.

[@gerardmartyn1738]

Any type of entertainer is an independent contractor. Paid per job, for negotiable price. Plus all the other areas. 😮 Thank you for sharing this 😊

[@armymutt25A]

I'm surprised the Hollywood types haven't figured this out yet. They will have to be studio employees.

[@DanPocius]

Great video - please keep up the fight for freedom!

[@arkmediagroupllc]

Mike Rowe is a true American! Go Mike!!!!

[@davidadams8687]

Worked for people my whole life. Farm and ranch jobs. Company driver. Laborer at a junk yard. All jobs i loved. Finall at the age of 33 got tired of working for the Man persay and bought my own truck. Its been a great three years. I take a week off per month sometimes two if its hunting season lol. But buildin our farm and trucking im building the life me an my family want. Its hard work but things are coming together thanks to beings an Owner Op.

[@KS_Realtor]

First time hearing about this and it sounds awful. I've been self employed for over 20yrs and hire subcontractors all the time. We recently purchased a business that required employees and it's nightmare. How anyone company can survive dealing with all the red tape and bs of employees is beyond me. If someone wants to work independently then they should be able to, same as if a company wants to hire independent workers they should be able to. If a company is taking advantage of it's workers then only a couple things will happen. Another company offers something better and the workers leave for a better job or someone sues and the companies practices get reviewed and corrected. We already have a system, why screw it all up? Most people just want to work.

[@andyhall9634]

Thank you Mike for being a loud voice for hard working Americans. I’ve been inspired by you since dirty jobs and the deadliest catch.

[@JustinBradleyPhotographer]

Photographer here, you have my support! Thank you Mike.

[@DianeMerriam]

I hated being an employee. I always preferred those years when I was able to be a contractor. Some 16 hour days and some days to knock off at noon to do something else. Either way, my choice, as long as I got the work done as the clients needed it.

[@handimanjay6642]

So they are changing the tax code? Schedule 15 asks very specific questions to determine if you are independent or employee.

[@steveholzer4278]

Thank you Mike and god bless you.

[@MJF40]

Thank you, Mike and Agash

[@Darkk_Sage]

It’s so funny seeing all the people duped in this comment thread. Thinking Mike Rowe has ever done a hard days work or isn’t a paid shill lol.

[@Cristian_M_]

Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see as a glance of wealth, a great career, and purpose is the result of hard work and hustle over time. I pray that anyone who is reading this will be successful in life

[@mohammedrafi8335]

You are right, to be a successful person in life require him or her of hard work and time

[@elliothammer2083]

The thing about been successful is working toward it and not going the other way round

[@ramadhanipongela1360]

​@@mohammedrafi8335You are right. Been thinking of going into gold and cyptocurrency

[@geralyncainglet2626]

It's obvious everyone is doing this online Invstment

[@Noel.Kirk.]

​@@geralyncainglet2626I totally agree with you it has been an eye-opening experience for a lot of people.

[@Windragon76]

Thank you Mike for all you do. 🤝

[@birdmandave]

I grew up watching you Mike. You are a very down to earth person, thank you for everything you do. Even tho I’m a Canadian

[@weavercattlecompany]

You're missing the point here folks ... Independent Contractor = Full-Time Employee with no health insurance, 401K, etc. It's nothing more than a way for big corporations to screw their workers over while increasing their profit margins. A prime example of this practice is FexEx and how they consider all their delivery drivers to be independent contractors who foot the bill for their own healthcare, retirement, etc. while making them also financially responsible for the delivery vehicles they drive along with the maintenance and fuel. Now compare that with UPS and you should start to understand what this bill is attempting to fix! It simply attempts to stop big corporations from abusing their labor force. Don't worry though, you're going to ultimately be replaced by the insourced third world slave labor pouring across the U.S. Northern/Southern border anyway hence this bill won't make much of a difference in the long run

[@Urziel99]

Or you could just, you know, sic the IRS on them since they already fail the test for Independent contractors, only one source of leads.

[@michaels.3709]

​@@Urziel99I thought this bill was establishing the test for independent contractors?

[@armymutt25A]

An independent contractor is also a relief veterinarian who only wants to work 45 weeks of the year, set his or her prices, and provide the service of letting other veterinarians take a break from time to time. Not everyone needs a 401k and health benefits.

[@Urziel99]

@@michaels.3709 IRS has had one for decades. But republicans have always kept their budget low to protect their business criminal pals who donate to their campaigns.

[@ItzzzBeamo]

I’m trying to figure out where you’re being serious, where you’re being sarcastic, and what side you’re on. Not to mention that it isn’t my job to tell someone without health insurance or a 401k that they need to go get those.

[@scotfield3950]

Thank you for bringing this to my attention so well!

[@hunternotbiden]

I’m a trial attorney and I had a case against Uber and I remember specifically Uber embroiled in a battle in California it was challenging the independent contractor status of each of their drivers. I believe proactive California was simply to dismantle these opportunities claiming that the people engaged in them making money were being exploited. I think you need to follow money. Obviously there an are worker’s compensation premiums, not paid etc. when you have independent contractors. Obviously a big part of this in the end is control.

[@bmacaulay18]

IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT CONTROL. There isn't any other reason the politicos exist.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Without the gig economy my teens n I would be homeless this last yr. It’s a sucky way to earn $ but it IS a way right now. Thank God

[@davidtriplett7313]

Exactly you definitely need to follow the money. With these gig apps the only thing that I would like to see is that an independent contractor has more say in what the compensation in their contract should be. Make it more than an offer sent to the driver and the driver agrees to the compensation by accepting or rejecting the offer. Make it so the drivers in the area can tell the apps what is a reasonable rate for miles and time. That way the apps have to increase The base rate to what the majority of the drivers would see as acceptable.

[@DianeMerriam]

@@davidtriplett7313The driver is already able to choose what rides he wants to take and what ones he doesn't. Nor is Uber the only company in the business. You can even work for more than one at the same time. If the outfit isn't offering enough, then work with a different one. If you can't find one that pays you what you want, then find some other way to earn a living. No one is pointing a gun at anyone's head saying you have to work for company X. The only guns being pointed are the guns of the government if they decide for you what you are and aren't allowed to do and won't allow you to decide for yourself what terms are acceptable.

[@davidtriplett7313]

@@DianeMerriam yes, they can pick and choose. Just keep in mind other independent contractors with other businesses can renegotiate their contracts, with the gig apps you can only agree to the terms they set. You could just stop doing business with them because you don't like the contract, or continue with the current contract and picking and choosing your offers. You would think and hope that if offers are constantly rejected in an area that they would raise the compensation or learn from what you reject and not send you bad offers. The best way to fix the compensation issue is to let drivers be able to negotiate the contract and be able to set the rates they will accept. If not the power of compensation mainly is in the hands of the app.

[@davetrivett9083]

i remember this bill when it first came out and the uproar at the time.im really suprised its still around and has gotten this far

[@AstonSubstantive]

Mike Rowe is always so impressive with his perspective. The man is a talented philosopher.

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

Thank you Mike. You Rock!

[@Redmenace96]

I"m 60 and I've been an independent contractor as a young person, in old age, at different times. Had some good times, and been exploited. Don't take away that freedom. You have to let people bet on themselves, outside of the plainly/explicitly exploitative system. It makes the economy dynamic, and helps a lot of The People.

[@SpinningSideKick9000]

You’re old and irrelevant. Young people want the workers rights that your generation callously threw away through deregulation.

[@Blacktopcowboy]

Everything starts in California and it always comes back to taxes for the government. Thanks for this video. More people need to speak up about this issue. I’m a truck driver and a 1099 one and while it can be tougher at times, it’s more rewarding to me and more American to be in control over my money.

[@penneyburgess5431]

Thank you for the heads up. I shared.

[@shmeeshillips7058]

God bless you mike

[@dangou-nchained5854]

Thank you Mike. I signed up for everything. I

[@JohnWood302]

Similar moves are appearing here in Australia! Good luck to you all fighting this battle!

[@AbacusincInfo]

This was very interesting. I am going to research this further and put my law hat on. Thank you for bringing this alarming information to light.

[@afultz4529]

I just realized that I grew up wanting to be like Mike Rowe. We respect and appreciate you Mr. Rowe! God Bless you sir! 🙏 🫡 🇺🇲

[@danielstadden1149]

You want to be an actor?

[@DianeMerriam]

@@danielstadden1149From Mike's Bio: "Mike Rowe is an Emmy award-winning TV host, producer, narrator, podcaster, spokesman, bestselling author, recording artist, and America’s leading advocate for the skilled trades. As the CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, he’s awarded nearly seven million dollars in work-ethic scholarships and led a national effort to reintroduce shop class into high schools, which he’s delighted to report seems to be working."

[@vldarden]

I’ve been an independent contractor for most of the last 20 years. I’m able to help more people in a variety of places with that freedom.

[@joshbuie]

This needed to spread to more people

[@caryclemenson5558]

Thank you Mike! It’s so important to push back on this kind of crap!

[@WoodsBreaker]

Mike Rowe is a national treasure.

[@robinburkey2466]

Show us how to resist this ignorance. I so appreciate you Mike! I'm a resonance man in Texas and the phone is ringing with something different every day! It's on my bucket list to get to meet you.

[@the.Original.G.Ninja.88]

Politicians doing what they do best, effin everything up. Thank goodness for folks like you to stand up and poke them in the forehead. Keep being you Mike! Soon to be sole proprietor of Laitance Or Louvers Construction, my goal to have all the papers filed this year! I thank you for looking out for us!

[@irvingsantiago6701]

In my lifetime thus far, I've worked for many different employers. Construction, Automotive/ repair, Commercial & Independents. Sales/ service. Owned 3 business before turning 63. All those in Commifornia aka California. Every time I started to grow successfully state government has run over then shot and killed my money cow! Fuel costs, living expenses, taxes, taxes, taxes! I was raised a farmer, educated, have a large family all in California. Thinking of leaving California soon. Waiting 1 more year.....

[@jasonrist6582]

If there aren't enough people of like mind left in California to stand up to this rubbish then yeah move I guess. But if you can muster enough push back on this stuff to change the terrible governments across your state then do that. Please the rest of America can't keep taking in economic and political refugees from there.

[@douglasyoung4636]

While there are some differences between what we think i feel you still express your point in a manner that allows me to understand your reasoning and allows me the opportunity make an informed decision. Oh and i agree with you on this.

[@scottwoolley1817]

Thank you Mike! From a retired Chevron Richmond employee 38 years that I had the opportunity to attend Process Plant Operator school in Richmond 1982 as a high school senior! Retired very well off. They need to teach basic economics in school like from AL Williams, That's how I learned. Pay yourself first early on.

[@JDHarsh]

As with many things, it comes down to freedom vs. security. The freedom to live your life how you like, taking whatever risks come along with that or the government stepping in and reducing your opportunities because the risk “isn’t safe”. For 250 years, America has been about the risk. Taking the chance to build something amazing. The current elected officials seem to want to erase it.

[@michaelschlager2808]

Everyone in the country needs to see this video.

[@dannythomas3732]

Awesome job Mike, thanks

[@logger4711]

RFK Jr. and Mike Rowe! 2024! Let’s stick it to the corrupt Washington political establishments and Vote these guys in! Mike hopefully will be RFKs running mate.

[@FluxNomad678]

2:20 Do the main ABC Test points here seem that bad? Why would the Truck Driver be unable to comply with this? Do some choose to have 1 exclusive customer just because of convenience and having a good business relationship; which this law would interpret as being like an employee with out benefits and filing as a 1099? Is the driver fully in control of their own dispatch? I think this law was originally intended as push back against the Gig Economy and jobs such as Uber where the worker provides the equipment while using the Uber App on their phone. While on the clock, they are on and managed by Uber's system and they have algorithm feedback or management. As for the Bookkeeper and the Choreographer, I'm not sure I follow why their business is threatened by this? It would have been interesting to hear perspectives from the independent Dancers and Bookkeepers on who's behalf this law was written.

[@toneyeye]

Americans for Prosperity is an institution I am very familiar with, being a self-identified libertarian. The organization has a dubious track record when it comes to public policy; but I think they are getting it right on this one.

[@generalmom130]

very informative, thank you

[@t-roy3438]

Thanks Mike!

[@axidhaus]

Both of these men make me proud to be an American