Slipped Into Prop. 11 Is Language That Could Protect Ambulance Companies From Lawsuits Over On-Call Break Times
The clause would define the past industry practice of on-call meal and rest breaks as legal. Critics have blasted the measure. “It is not ok to bury a liability protection clause,” said Jason Brollini, the executive director for United EMS Workers Local 4911. “And to scare the citizens of California saying that ambulances are not going to respond because we want our meal periods is intellectually dishonest.”
Capital Public Radio:
Prop. 11 Would Change Rules For Private Ambulance Workers In California
Paramedics and ambulance employees with those private companies are required to remain on call during breaks. That will continue if voters pass Proposition 11. But there is language at the tailend of the measure that could have a negative impact on pending worker liability lawsuits against ambulance companies, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office. (Soto, 10/25)
In other news —
CALmatters:
The Block That Prop. 13 Built: Too Few Homes
California, and particularly the Bay Area, hasn’t built enough housing to keep up with demand. By one estimate from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the state needs to build 1.8 million units over the next seven years just to keep pace with population growth. Right now, California isn’t close to building that quickly. (Levin, 10/25)