Judge stalls California labor law as it relates to truckers

DON THOMPSON Associated Press SACRAMENTO (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked a new California labor law from impacting more than 70,000 independent truckers. The law makes it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors instead of employees, who are entitled to minimum wage and benefits such as workers compensation. Freelance writers and photographers are also seeking a restraining order against the law set to take effect Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez of San Diego granted a temporary restraining order sought by the California Trucking Association while he considers imposing a permanent injunction. He said the association is likely to eventually prevail on its argument that the state law violates federal law. He also ruled the