BizSugar.com › Employee Benefits › How Employers and Contractors Are Retaining Independence Under AB5

California sought to make it more difficult for businesses to hire independent contractors with the passage of California Assembly Bill 5 (or AB5). But the gig economy shows no sign of slowing down. A new study from Mastercard predicts double-digit annual growth for the industry over the next five years. It projects gig economy transactions will reach $455 billion by 2023. Resistance to reclassification came both swiftly and loudly. Legislators heard from not only ride share drivers, but truckers and journalists. Now many gig workers have found quick work-arounds to guard their independent status.