Mike Rowe & Will Swaim: The PRO Act REALLY SUCKS | The Way I Heard It

The President of the California Policy Center, host of National Review’s Radio Free California podcast, and watchdog journalist warns about the new federal regulation that effectively makes CA-AB5 national and ends independent contractor status as we know it. As goes California, so goes the nation-from a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers to rampant homelessness, crime, and reparations-the recovering communist dissects examples of what’s happening in the Golden State and yet to come nationally.
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[@HeatherThompsonSocially]

Independent contractor here - been doing contract work since I lost my government job in 2020 because of government shut downs and now the government wants to destroy the one way I can survive. Im getting really sick of this.

[@MrDj232]

Learn to code.

[@gr8finplnr]

Saying 'government' three times in one sentence might be the beginning to understanding where the problem lies.

[@graciegolden2290]

One more step in the control of every human being.

[@clarkgriswold-zr5sb]

@@michaelcohen904 I retract my comment. I should say I sincerely hope you vote for individual freedom, liberty and less of this evil repressive, tyrannical government. Good luck.

[@JamesClark-lw6sw]

​@@MrDj232 GFY -MELLENIAL.

[@markallen8679]

as a commercial pilot, this negatively impacts my opportunity to fly for several operators to ensure I have enough hours to survive. This is an outrage!

[@aviatorflighttraining]

Same here!

[@clarkgriswold-zr5sb]

@@aviatorflighttraining and here, occasionally.

[@BraskHouseConcerts]

Donate to their opponents. And let them know.

[@earthkarma7420]

RFK Jr.2024 🇺🇸 🎉

[@earthkarma7420]

​@BraskHouseConcerts RFK Jr.2024 🇺🇸🎉

[@ColoradoStarlink]

I haven't worked a clock in/out job in 9 years. Don't want to go back. Way happier and successful running my own destiny.

[@eetoved1758]

No kidding. It is death. I don't think I'll live through being employed by others.

[@pecan11]

And do u have good health insur and retirement acct? If u r making bank that’s great but many aren’t and r stuck being take advantage of

[@tellissigros2796]

Pecan... it's hard to write anything with the tone I want to convey, so please understand I mean or hope to make this reply to your comment as we're old friends... but what does the phrase ... "take advantage of you" mean to you?

[@FarckewVerimucc]

So basically the government has exempted the squeaky giant wheels of big business while those of us struggling to peddle up the hill get a stick thrown in our spokes. Gee, thanks government!

[@spicywater123]

Dude, the tech companies hid AI's development from us. Entire industries are about to be replaced by AI and those of us who were told to get degrees are fucked and it's our fault? How could any of us predict AI wasn't just science fiction?if I knew AI was on the way when I was in college, I would have dropped out and went to trade school. This is fucking bullshit.

[@andrewdonohue1853]

If comes from a democrat it's usually bad for average people

[@garywilburn7384]

Whatever biden wants. I want the opposite

[@andrewdonohue1853]

@@garywilburn7384 absolutely. i hate the loose joey

[@jerryreece151]

This subject makes me afraid of what this country is becoming. WAKE UP AMERICA

[@OfftoShambala]

Well they will continue to get away with genocide so I’d say it’s already over.

[@robertedge6902]

I left California when they came after the massage therapists to license and control us. I was an integral part of the healing process in hospitals for the treatment of pneumonia. The state was going to assume nearly half of my income.

[@clarkgriswold-zr5sb]

Curious how you vote in the state where you've moved? I hope it's red because you probably move to a red state. Please, don't f up the state you move to like was allowed to happen in California.

[@robertedge6902]

@@clarkgriswold-zr5sb I left the land of the fruits and the nuts. Always conservative and freedom loving.

[@ecstanton8385]

​@robertedge6902geez...hope you didn't move to a red state that's taken away women's rights

[@robertedge6902]

@@ecstanton8385 I live in a state that doesn’t allow their mothers to murder their children. Is that straight enough for you?

[@robertedge6902]

@@ecstanton8385I moved to a state that doesn’t let mothers murder their children.

[@jacobwhipple7848]

As someone in the service industry, just wanna put this out there. It's not the crappy jobs that make folks not want to do them, or the pay. It's the public. People are the number one reason people don't like to deal with people. That's my TED talk.

[@BradyWideBODY]

I left the service industry for the trades and it was definitely the shitty pay and schedule that did it 😂

[@ILikeFreedomYo]

​@@BradyWideBODYI'm leaving the "trade" and directing my business into service because a general contractor will rarely give you an atta boy and will certainly never give you a tip. All they want is cost and time savings. In other words they want you to take on liability of lowered quality. Homeowners typically give you an atta boy. If you care for quality and environment then you actually do get tips. I also rarely get complaints about time and expense from homeowners. If I do then I can explain. A contractor will always look at reason as an excuse if they have something set in their mind. Just some food for thought. Good luck out there.

[@venaz4166]

I drove the city bus. HATED goin to work, but had to survive. Stayed 28 grueling years. I made it to retirement. Hallelujah. Public relations sucks!

[@rainmakerjim]

yes SOME people do suck. I don’t think it’s most people though. It only takes a few AH’s to make you think its a broader issue.

[@cherylwarren6208]

Peen23 2rr8😊I yr q​@@ILikeFreedomYo

[@garyragan2864]

12:30 The PRO act is about victimizing and controlling the free lancers, not preventing their mistreatment.

[@chapter4travels]

They can't be mistreated as a freelancer if they can't work. Now, doesn't that make you want to run out and join a union?

[@thebigdog2295]

You forgot the part about where it will end competition for big companies. And make the rich, richer. Especially if they have connections in government.

[@denisegaylord382]

Not just the free lancers. It will affect every aspect of everyone's life. You see that people are leaving CA in droves, the same applies to NY, MI, and many other blue states in our country. The latest Exodus from CA was just after the implementation of AB 5.

[@denisegaylord382]

​@@chapter4travelsthat's the goal. Democrats have traditionally held sway with the unions. It's a tactic to keep the dems in control of the political donations and voters. 95% of unions vote for democrats, and democratic policies. The vast majority of those politicians and policies are horrible for most of the country.

[@karenkline7221]

​@@denisegaylord382. Except that I think that people should stay and fight.

[@edfield5098]

I prefer to win or lose from the quality of my craftsmanship

[@user-KrackerJack]

I've had it kicked out from under me over and over and over again. And now im getting too old to keep up and it hurts me as a man

[@denisegaylord382]

It hurts all of us that have struggled for the last 35 to 40 years to get ahead.

[@thenourway]

Watching my husband go through this over and over. Got “downsized” LAST May and still can’t get a job (and only work there for 9 months). So he is now doing a blue collar manual labor job to make ends-meet.

[@rick21090]

Doing away with small business takes your control away from your ability to make decisions about how you can spend your money.

[@hangman396]

Mike, I'm an independent contractor Truck Driver, since 1993, this law/rule is a very bad thing... Trust me I'm way better off as an I.C. than an employee... This bill needs to die in Congress... Just my opinion here... I can go out on my own, but that requires money I don't have at this time... Anyway keep up the great work...

[@jl9205]

Part of this is to ensure that no "revenue" ever slips through the cracks.

[@OfftoShambala]

That’s what I was thinking. Along with the new 80k armed IRS agents.

[@LisaMaeSV650S]

Of course it is. And the point made about squealing on other people happens in all areas of life. People who are haters because they don't have what you have will inevitably try to cut you down. The problem with this.Of course.Is they are just making it worse for their kids and their kids.Giving the government the power because of their Inadequacies and or jealousies

[@maryhalverson5713]

We mustn't mistake disgust for envy. No one resents people who've truly earned what they have. It's those who've built their ill-gotten gains by taking advantage of others who need to fear the growing wrath of the People.

[@bennoah1673]

The right to work is fundamental to life. Inalienable just as much as life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

[@denisegaylord382]

It is an integral part of "the pursuit of happiness". Without that, why would we take risks or try to better ourselves?

[@anonymousperson8463]

You can't pursue happiness without a job to improve your lot in life.

[@denisegaylord382]

@@anonymousperson8463 to a point. If you are willing to risk being an entrepreneur, your rewards can be limitless. However, that is what the PRO Act attempts to stop: you betting on your own capabilities.

[@josealbert7806]

​@anonymousperson8463 we are talking about the right to choose wherever the occupation you want, not being forced to become an employee.

[@marko5766]

Making rules as vague as possible, never offering clarification except on a case-by-case basis that only applies to that party in that situation, making the punishment far worse than the crime . . . this is what law abiding gun owners have put up with for decades, now. Welcome to the party.

[@ryancoppi711]

I grew up near Weed and watched the last of the logging industry die. I witnessed all of what you said and is sad to see it now. I can't imagine ever living there again.

[@uberdang830]

It makes sense now why costco purchased a trucking company.

[@OfftoShambala]

Oh really… what trucking company did they buy?

[@uberdang830]

@@OfftoShambala Schneider.

[@debramorris4290]

Im thinking of small farmers who have to contract for things like haying, planting, and harvesting. Not enough work for full time emplyees so seasonal or contract workers.

[@Stevarooni]

Farm work often avoids a lot of this stuff, even in California. Does the California version of the law affect farm workers, I don't know?

[@michaelmeehan9083]

As an independent contractor whose relationship with a customer is "evolving", I appreciate the ability to evolve, or change those relationships to suit the circumstances..

[@garyfrancis6193]

Government steadily strangling the golden goose.

[@ruthegan8524]

Very iliustrative and very grotesque.

[@rocket5106]

Ever notice that that the elected person never thinks like the common person who pays the bills, only a few actually do think this way if they've been elected

[@CharlesLambert137]

Yet they keep getting elected. Wonder who's to blame?

[@eetoved1758]

The elected officials are not usually the ones implementing these things at all anymore. It's the bureaus and unelected officials doing it now. We lost America to then a long time ago.

[@1vidamc]

Fantastic show, learned so much that I didn't know. I retired 2 years ago as an independent contractor who hired other independent contractors and I am so glad I don't have to deal with the regulations that could be coming. The last 3 years have been so far fetched that I can't believe we are living through these times.

[@OfftoShambala]

The funny thing is that most people have absolutely no idea what’s happening.

[@OfftoShambala]

At this point it’s just insanely hilarious.

[@soeffner6833]

I ran my own business for 7 years. Covid shut downs killed it. It was the most wonderful time I've ever had working since mowing lawns as a kid. I work a 'real' job...for now. If starting a new venture makes me a criminal in the eyes of the government so be it. Better to live as a renegade than a slave.

[@dmars7264]

I'm so sorry. I had just opened a therapy office south of FTW, TX. Covid hit 2 weeks later. My first week was amazing. I went to rallys, the Chamber of Commerce( private donation $500 was nice, but I lost thousands of $$$$). I've never recuperated. FJB

[@soeffner6833]

@dmars7264 sympathies as well. I even had doctors/ clients that shut it all down because of this travesty of medicine. It's an all to common story.

[@lindseyfrazier3298]

I'm only 15 minutes into this so maybe this topic is covered later in the podcast. But the first thing that came to my mind about this is how the government benefits from the Employee Tax. They get to double-dip from you if you're an employee because your company is paying Employee Tax and you're paying income tax. If you're a 1099, then you only pay a portion of your income. IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT TAXES. Also when I googled the PRO Act the first thing that came up was the AFL-CIO. So there is definite lobbying money being spent as well. We can't let the congressmen go without getting their piece, too!

[@jodirauth8847]

Most of the livestock in USA are shipped by independent truckers. Anything that made from a farm animal is going to get very expensive.

[@41tl]

Yes, that's part of The Plan.

[@MrDj232]

They'll make you eat the bugs one way or another.

[@OfftoShambala]

@@41tltook the words out of my mouth… along with Jack in the box egg rolls.

[@tigrlily]

Starting to think much of the livestock now is writing comments here in KZbin land.

[@homeagain9692]

The lesson? Govt is great at building nothing.

[@tomswoodwork]

And destroying everything

[@bad71hd]

#40

[@emailformosa]

*INCORRECT:* Government is great at building government. _as of 2023_ • The U.S. federal gov’t is the world’s largest employer with 2.95M personnel. _(Walmart the top private employer with 2.1M)_ • U.S. has over 750 military bases across 80 countries • 38% of the of the American land is owned by the government

[@homeagain9692]

@@emailformosa I stand corrected!

[@pecan11]

Wrong bec u don’t understand how it works this is the same answer republicans abound with but know ZERO

[@cammieg4381]

I don't understand why this had to be started in the first place? This has been very interesting! I'm grateful to now be more aware of just how convoluted the CA-AB5 issue really is. Thank you Will Swaim and Mike & crew!

[@eetoved1758]

I can't figure out why it's not even being covered by The right wing pundits 🤷‍♀️ Mike Rowe is the only person I hear it from. I'm very concerned.

[@susanjohnson5988]

We just need to get the federal government out of education completely and largely out of business in this country. The people can do it better, and if not, they are out of business. Let Freedom and the consequences of our choices fall where they may. Government is trying to play God. Everything they touch has bad "unintended" consequences.

[@RibbitTab]

This is a great podcast. The discussion about citizens "requiring the so-called protection" of the government should be more often and openly had. There is so much danger in "leaving it to the government." Just look at the disaster of communist-run countries. We need to have more conversations, which requires the willingness to listen to the other side! It also requires a certain level of education. I genuinely hope that Americans wake up and return to tolerance and unification. This is such a great country. Let's get back to the values this Republic was founded on.

[@maryhalverson5713]

We have to remember that We the People are meant to be in control of the government, not the other way around. With a healthy "All for one and one for all" attitude, ALL boats will rise.

[@M21Karl]

When my dad was young he shoveled coal out of boxcars. He got paid 10 cents a ton and he said that was good money at that time. Also, when he spoke about his revelation about freedom and communism it goes to show as humans we sometimes need to learn things the hard way.

[@carnivorecoder]

I just wish other people's inability to learn without experiencing pain didn't require I suffer with them.

[@ronunderwood5771]

Can you share his revelation?

[@M21Karl]

@@ronunderwood5771 I guess I should've worded that better. I meant the guy on the video' revelation.

[@ronunderwood5771]

@@M21Karl OK. I am sure he would have had some interesting comments. Local small business guy, a Croatian, had escaped from Yugoslavia as a teenager in the 60's. He hated communists to the day he died.

[@OfftoShambala]

That’s why we have Memorial Day… but, we have too many idiots shitting on the men who died for freedom… if these people suffer from some experimental agent approved for emergency use… then so be it.

[@crackpipejoe3508]

Its always about control nothing else!!!

[@bobquinn314]

Exceptional show as always. Local government worker in CA, nearing retirement, and scared to death at what this corrupt state has become. Thanks for the super informative discussion. Loved the history of Weed, worked in the woods in Oregon while attending Oregon State, saw the demise of the whole logging industry and saw the damage it did to the hardest working, proudest,self confident men I have ever met. What a crime.

[@ronunderwood5771]

Was that the Spotted Owl thing?

[@thechuckjosechannel.2702]

The "Patriot" act is a Misnomer.

[@deadman3140]

It's designed to allow the Government to go after Patriots.

[@ActivateMission2ThisTimeline]

OrAL. ie.

[@Stevarooni]

USA PATRIOT ACT is the acronym. Yes, it was a betrayal of the United States and her citizens, demonstrated most visibly by how quickly it was drafted (pulled out of storage) and passed with very little discussion.

[@kevmac1230]

They used our outrage and fear after a deplorable act to slip it by the public.

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

Not a misnomer, a blatant lie. As is almost all legislation, given a patriotic or demure name to make it seem palatable until the people see what the fall out of the legislation is.

[@shirleybewley6646]

Oh my gosh! My Dad was a logger in Washington, my husband in Oregon both in 60-70s. SOO refreshing to hear someone express the truth about the wild fires!

[@jeffreyhoskins8955]

It’s about time for an conservative reset here in America

[@richardcampbell8685]

Conservative evolution. Let’s not go backwards.

[@ManleyArts]

Yup.

[@systemic_disclosure766]

@@richardcampbell8685 In some cases you have to go backwards before you can go forward. Especially when rebuilding houses that have been on fire. And, the firefighters do way more damage with the water than the flames of the fire. **AMERICA IS DEFINITELY BURNING**

[@ruthegan8524]

The classic swinging of the pendulum. It's really time for it.

[@cathytuttle720]

Yes!

[@RichardCore-fo3dm]

I worked for 25 years for a worldwide printer. I loved it, but realized when 2 weeks after my 25th anniversary they told me I was a member of the WFR. What? Our "WorKForce Reduction" program. I worked in a totally different industry, the food industry for 10 months and went back to the printing industry as a manager of several departments. What a stretch!! but I'm thankful it all happened, It taught me to how to truly live and attain that "work when you want and how you want" goal. Love your shows!!

[@nicholasbrown9447]

These are top notch topics. Fun conversation that us 30’s and 20’s ppl need to hear.

[@eetoved1758]

😂 yeah sucks huh. ... May I take this opportunity to suggest voting red? Wishing you all the best.

[@turnipsucks6416]

Not a contract worker now. But I've done that, and I wouldn't want it changed for anyone who does contract work at any level. That's ridiculous!

[@Junzar56]

This is such a great discussion! I believe that every problem has a solution. If the the government tries to solve it it only gains more paperwork, more problems, and more taxes- and the original problems are still there. I do think there is a need for true, correct principles that we live by, but that are not dictated. Principles like- work is a blessing and is necessary for happiness.

[@lessonsobserved]

@Mike Rowe, it’s all about generating more tax for the government. To answer your question at 12:55. An independent contractor can do two very important things that a W-2 employee cannot. 1. They get to write off the expenses incurred in the course of their work just like an operating business is permitted to write off their expenses against their profit. 2. An independent contractor can set up their own entity, for example an LLC, and then elects to be taxed as a subchapter S corporation. Under this construct, the employee of their own company can avoid some of the FICA taxes by paying themselves a reasonable salary, instead of paying FICA on the total profits of the company. Further, the remaining profits above basis can be distributed to the owner/employee of the LLC without paying the other half of FICA tax on that distribution. It’s always about what’s best for the government and the people who capture it.

[@legostud]

It’s possible people aren’t as mobile anymore, because of money. There was a shift in corporate America somewhere in the 70s to focus on profits over the well being of their employees. Employees use to have pensions and then we shifted to the 401k putting the burden on the employees to save for retirement. And those 401k plan furthered this profit focus as the money in them started pouring in Wall Street, mostly focused on investments in aggressive growth companies who focus on profits. Those companies went even further by shifting away from having employees who received healthcare and 401ks to contractors or gig workers who don’t to further increase their own profits at the expense of the people doing the work. So yes there are opportunities out there, but they don’t pay what they use to once you factor in all the overhead that we have to bear. If you do want a job that pays well, then you’re told you need to go to college and rack up debt upwards up $100k. The trades are rarely mentioned as an option.

[@maplifiers]

Shifted in the 70s? Company script, miner's wars, shirt factory fire? They've never cared for workers.

[@deanakalberg4540]

Absolutely 💯%

[@tlcHI]

Independent contracted licensed massage therapist since 2000 here. Maybe if this passes... it means early retirement for me.

[@StarNanny]

…dog walkers….house sitters….ride share drivers….door dash drivers…..personal shoppers…..instacart shoppers/drivers…..freelance writers…..paper delivery boys….

[@bridgetloggan1856]

Anyone else hear Casey Kasem while listening to this? You have a good solid voice Will! Thank you for this interview Mike! I learned quite a bit!

[@aclindsey]

That's the voice! Thank you. I kept hearing Casey but could not place the name with the voice.

[@jaymeswheeler]

Where can we find the congressional hearings of the department of labor testifying about the 300+ pages of executive order?

[@koolkevin2357]

This seems anti-American to me. Am I wrong in that thought?

[@jettmthebluedragon]

Well the only anti-American is hating on NATIVE Americans 🙃so to be fair many people are anti American in some way 🙃

[@kevinhatcher8194]

Well looking at things as a Canadian I would say this is very pro America. I believe America was built on the idea that it was the "land of opportunity" and the constitution backs this notion that people are free to be successful and it's actually encouraged and the government should not interfere. Unions are great until it's forced. In Canada If you can buy a truck and pay taxes you can deliver things, sub for contractors, start a moving company etc etc. You have the right to negotiate with business yourself set your pay, hours, have your own insurance etc. If you are forced into a union yes you have collective bargaining but what's good for the whole might not be good for you. For instance as a former union member I paid a lot of money into "health benefits" which were impossible to use because no one met the criteria, or seniority always getting overtime while you're denied, also you can work as hard as you want but you'll never get a raise asides from the 50cents per year, limited days off with discipline if you go over etc etc.... Now I work for a small business and I get paid what I asked for based on the work I provided, I work the hours I agree to with complete flexibility as long as I realize it's a two way street, private insurance that I can use and got to pick my coverage, if I want more hours they're mine and if work is slow there's lots of other business that would love to pay me to keep busy and make them money. Now I can't say either independent or union is better or worse because it's very individual but the freedom of choice and freedom of opportunity is very important.

[@michaelwallace7587]

Don’t never been to America. American Samoa is only place in the world on the international mailing list.

[@EnFuego79]

Define "American" first so I know what you're actually talking about.

[@jettmthebluedragon]

@@EnFuego79 interesting argument or objection🧐as what does to be ( American ) even mean ? 🧐 is it natures problem or a moral problem?🧐

[@brendenpischke6060]

"Hate to ask a question this late in the game." Well that was a perfect question, spot on. A great note to leave the conversation on.

[@songster7]

Fascinating to see someone who has learned so much

[@heathera929]

Love how Will breaks down how he was baptized into liberation theology in college but had the ability to rethink his beliefs and say, this isn't right. Glad he came back to the side of objective thinkers. Great interview. Love the bits of humor and fun thrown into the mix.

[@kurthansen7]

Each job is unique. In some professions a union is beneficial to workers. For other professions a union is a real roadblock. Looking at the PRO act it will never pass in this political environment. Having said that, we do need to protect the right to choose in law. Choose to form a union or choose to be an independent contractor.

[@richardcampbell8685]

Unions have done nothing good except for the bottom 20 percent.

[@VeraHuden-mj5bt]

Lawn services, Auto mechanics, snow plow people, wedding photographers, dog walkers, seamstresses, tailors, lots of people could be impacted by that crummy bill.

[@user-ow9cu6pn7u]

Amazing conversation! Thank you, Mike and Will!

[@jessbridges564]

Ever noticed about these entry-level food service jobs that for millions of people this is their first job and nobody talks about how much the restaurant spends time and energy training a new worker that has monetary value, but nobody calculates that into their paycheck when they leave there they have job experience Which is a guarantee to help them move up to the next job.

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

'Job experience' in a role which will has absolutely nothing to do with what they move on to afterward. My first job was fast food. My next job was working construction doing home renovations. The two are so divorced from one another that there was zero cross over. I didn't get the job because of my fast food qualifications - I got it because I knew a guy that knew a guy. And believe me when I say that while applying to work at shops later after finishing trade school to be an automotive technician, not a single shop cared about either my time spent working fast food *or* my time spent working in construction companies.

[@dennismokry258]

@@cavalieroutdoors6036 it’s not the experience in the job that matters as much with ‘first jobs’; it’s the experience of having a job. Learning that you have a role and to perform that particular role well and consistently and take responsibility for the completion of assignments. Learning that there are consequences and rewards for how you perform the task and act while doing so. Those are what are what should be learned from entry-level jobs that then allows people to move into better and more fulfilling jobs.

[@stevewilken1837]

Mike Rowe for President 👍

[@Ajc70fl]

Or secretary of labor.

[@stevewilken1837]

@@Ajc70fl yup 👍

[@ecstanton8385]

That's a hard no

[@marcisaacs9407]

Been on both sides, screwing independents is just plain savage. Some very important things just can’t materialize unless corporations use independents.

[@ujona]

Life is definitely complicated but our faith is simple and non-negotiable. Thank you Mike for your media and I am originally from Philly.

[@legostud]

We have young adults living with their parents into their 30s, because they cannot afford rent. Parents having to take care of their parents, because they cannot afford assisted living. And both parents have jobs, because they do not make enough to pay the bills and help their family. So moving means telling your spouse they have to quit their job, kicking your kid out of the house, and finding new doctors for your parents when you move. That’s a lot to ask for a job that probably doesn’t pay all that much more.

[@Stevarooni]

The job becomes far more expensive for the company, so your job doesn't "slightly" decrease in wage, it's gone.

[@richardcampbell8685]

You aren’t powerless. You can improve your situation regardless of what’s going on in your life. Victimhood isn’t a virtue.

[@phatboom]

Many companies force you to be an independent contractor when you should be classified as an employee so they don’t have to pay benefits. If businesses weren’t doing this shady crap, no one would have created this bill.

[@caesandraseawell1518]

I think this is the point that keeps getting buried. There were “gig workers” taking on 2&3 jobs because there were no full-time or benefits. The law may be badly written because it’s not protecting who it was supposed to. More needs to be explained about how SPECIFICALLY the law is failing… for example, employers only scheduling everyone only 32hrs so you never qualify as full-time. Also-no real hamburger costs only $5.50

[@deanakalberg4540]

Thank you, finally someone is willing to think of others for a change! It's the government I'm sure there's bad things in this bill. However you are correct about the multiple jobs because there are no pensions, health care, vacations etc. I remember when companies valued employees, my grandfather received awards for never missing work! Hell, that's how the family found out he had died....... didn't show up for work job called family, yup heart attack in his uniform!!

[@EnFuego79]

Forcing businesses to provide benefits is literally socialist/communist. Socialism/Communism is what we are seeing the effects of right now. Reading a book on basic Austrian school econ won't kill you, I promise.

[@jerisharpe906]

I will pray this does not happen, but we can also vote for people that will fight this. THIS EVIL

[@williamrodriguez5426]

Amazing conversations! I'll be tuning in more often! Thanks doctor 😜

[@melvinmoorman4512]

Wonder what would happen if there was a movement to dig deeper into the stories and topics such as this instead of reporting “headlines” and supporting those “headlines” with superficial reporting???? Dang we need more of this!!!! Love the work you do!!!

[@Engineer__MD]

I have recently been invited to consider doing some part-time independent work for the same outfit I worked for for over 20 years. They will soon be a bit Short-Handed and because of some pending retirements and a potential transfer. There is a growing shortage of people who can do what I do. I would be returning to work as part-time as much for brain stimulation and social contact. As for the money it is actually the less important factor. So if the government throws up too much grief, I will just continue to live off my rather decent retirement. And as the shortage in my profession gets worse, I expect overworked people might be more likely to make mistakes. I'm not saying what business I am in but you don't want mistakes.

[@callak_9974]

If you're an engineer, it could be a myriad of businesses that you don't want mistakes to happen in anyway.

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

It's a shame you don't mention what field you're in, knowing where there isba shortage would help people sniff out opportunities.

[@SaltJamie]

Listening in from Illinois and thank you for this.

[@jasonm5797]

I love these conversations

[@E-__]

How do we got Mike on Rogan?

[@dennismokry258]

Even better: how do we get Rogan on Mike Rowe?

[@E-__]

@@dennismokry258 there you go!

[@dozerdlx4183]

It's in the line up JRE is hosting Mike.

[@E-__]

@@dozerdlx4183 really??

[@garyworley5806]

If Uber and Lyft are unionized they won't be Uber and Lyft and longer. They will be a taxi.

[@quickdeuce]

This podcast was MOST EXCELLENT!! Thank you Mike Rowe, Chuck and Will Swain!

[@sharonljordan1004]

Keep up the great works! Thank you for your Happy days...

[@RyanMallory1350]

WOW! I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN WEED, CALIFORNIA. My family came there in the '30s and owned a Chevrolet dealership they built from scratch for three generations. Used to be a pretty damn cool place. My dad worked in the woods and my mother worked in the mill office. 🔥

[@Bolthole_Studios]

What a great, clear, articulate guest! Thanks Mike

[@shirleybewley6646]

You all have made my day! Thanks for such great conversation

[@VeraHuden-mj5bt]

Do they intend to do away with right-to-work states? I see the Supreme Court getting way too busy.

[@cmackinnon9986]

Love it when I wake up at 4am and find a podcast like this one to listen to. It was spot on for what is really happening and how too much government involvement/regulation that doesn't even make sense.. leads to destructive consequences and corruption. See if first hand as my husband is an independent owner operator.

[@dr.redphdleasurestudies.5399]

As a truck driver I see a lot of lease to own independent contractor contracts that are nothing more than companies taking advantage of people who don't know what they are getting themselves into. They don't get the freedom just the bills. It's straight up predatory. People end up owing the company money at the end of the day. That has a direct effect on my profits because these companies can ruin a driver financially and then use the contract to keep them in debt for decades because technically they fall under education and can't be dismissed through bankruptcy. Hell of a business model to complete against.

[@FarckewVerimucc]

Such predators do need to be regulated, but these kind of examples don’t even scratch the surface of freelance and contract work. This needs to be addressed more directly and not with such broad crushing legislation.

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

That's a problem for you and the trucking industry, and maybe something needs to be done about that specifically. But it doesn't need to impact me, someone who does Door Dash on the side and understands fully what he's gotten himself into and is perfectly happy with the arrangement.

[@catherinesalacuse3284]

Very interesting conversation, on history up to now….Thank you Will Swain & Mike Rowe.🇫🇷🇺🇸

[@webofdeciet1]

Absolutely love your podcast, been addicted to it from the first listen and I tell everyone I know about it. I have one request, you have a lot of guests on who have written books and you also speak of a lot of books, can you provide a list of books that have been featured/mentioned on your podcast please!

[@gaidhliglass]

"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And weak men create hard times." (G. Michael Hopf)

[@6_Cherubs]

Outstanding listen!

[@MDAdams72668]

I can clearly see both sides As an independent contractor I make good money and work when I want and or need to HOWEVER my neighbor has been classified 1099 despite installing satellite service and being very much an em[employee He was not ready or in his case able to understand the ramifications of being self-employed and literally has the exact same "job" as employee technicians only without the social security, insurance, etc. He thought that the extra 3 dollars an hr was worth it SO SAD

[@From--sd4vz]

It would be very hard to organize independent contractors but threatening their ways of life with a law like the pro act, will probably show how it can be done

[@Ajc70fl]

They may not be happy with how we decide to organize.

[@louanneschrader769]

Union " organizing" is just another word for "controlling". They become rich and powerful off the little people, they in turn control the greedy politicians. Funny how they perpetually support leftists. Corruption funding corruption and they all laugh at the blind fools who fall for it.

[@chrisdresen4823]

Great show, thank you!

[@maryoconnell3857]

Two erudite, great speakers (sorry Chuck, it's rare you get a word in!) talking about important stuff!

[@laura3930]

Thanks for sharing!

[@amymartin7508]

Ofta.. heart melted.❤❤❤

[@dunester1]

This was very informative. Thank you for this!

[@NorthlandSLC]

This affects everything. Our town in Michigan by law requires a level 3 assessor to assess for property tax and keep the city running. In rural areas we all SHARE independent assessors because no one is entering that profession. There are not enough assessors to keep cities running. All these assessors are independent so they can work for more than one place. They can’t be hired by only one place. All the building contractors here also use sub contractors because there are not enough trained people to fill all positions in a contractors business. Workers with skills need to be shared. Cities will default and services we take for granted will be unreliable. Homes won’t get fixed or built. It’s going to seriously touch EVERYONES daily lives in ways you can’t imagine far beyond freelancers.

[@aviatorflighttraining]

He is fascinating and a great communicator!

[@kevinm3751]

Two points that should have been made in this conversation and emphasized are the literal facts that people have become entitled and lazy! These two things lead to the victim mentality and they use it as an excuse thinking so long as they can be the victim, being entitled and lazy is somehow justified!

[@cherub112361]

And the 15th of March is "the Ides of March (ironic, huh). The government really needs to get smaller. Sad but true. God Bless all of you (and Mike's parents). My prayers are still with your family from your dad's stroke.

[@vickiserre9457]

As a retired woman building contractor, I had to legally acquire my education, apprenticeship, funding, pay my yearly fees and much more to be Licensed to perform my legal skill/services to the public in my state. What the Helk this administration trying to do is against our Constitutional Rights‼️

[@richardgalli7262]

Great video, great insight and information, very entertaining.

[@larryl43]

Thank you

[@andrewwallenstein9575]

MIKE ROWE FOR PRESIDENT come start now and by next election you would be there

[@711yada]

I found myself on "Rowe lane" while driving and listening to this! Rowe Lane, hutto tx

[@rausch713]

Anyone else find the iTunes version cut off? Glad i was able to catch the end here.

[@uberdang830]

This is killing Uber and lift in Minnesota may 1st.

[@bradhaines3142]

that's actually a good thing

[@uberdang830]

@bradhaines3142 So thousands of jobs disappearing because the state wants to control an industry because they want equity. That's pure socialist bull crap. That's not a good thing. It also affects many people in the Twin Cities that use Uber and lift to commute to work daily. For them ride share is the only reliable source of transportation. Why do people think you can't make good money driving for Uber. If you brake it down to an hourly rate. In 2022 Uber drivers averaged 53 dollars an hour. So the bs argument the state is useing is messed up.

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

​@@bradhaines3142how so?

[@davidbuchanan5407]

I think it is to push more people back onto the tax payer roles. If they become employees. They don't get the tax deductions they get as a contractor.

[@gerardellis1127]

Awesome show! 🫡🫡🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@adamlivingstone3239]

Much love ,

[@hotdjdwray]

I almost passed this one by, since I had no idea who this guy was. Glad the subject yelled at me, since it's yelling at a whole lot of us...really good interview!!