The California Coalition of Travel Organizations (CCTO) and
ASTA are planning a joint lobbying day on Aug. 6, when agency owners and advisors
will visit state senators' district offices to request an exemption from
stricter requirements for independent contractors (ICs).
According to the CCTO, the two organizations hope to send
teams of three to four constituents to all 40 senators' district offices. Both
organizations are coordinating the effort.
ASTA and the CCTO have been attempting
to have travel sellers listed as exempt from Assembly Bill 5, which requires
ICs to perform work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity's
business. If ASTA and CCTO's efforts are unsuccessful, travel agencies won't be
able to use ICs.
Those interested in participating in the day of action are asked
to sign up via an online survey. The CCTO said meetings will be arranged
and participants will be provided with any information they need to
participate.
In addition to travel advisors, tour operators, destinations
and other industry partners are encouraged to participate, the CCTO said.
The Senate is currently in its summer recess. It will
reconvene in Sacramento on Aug. 12.