Massachusetts' top court ... appeared reluctant to allow a ballot measure to move forward that would ask voters whether drivers for app-based companies like Uber Technologies Inc and Lyft Inc should be treated as independent contractors and not employees. Justices on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court expressed concern that a ballot measure that a coalition of app-based service providers hope to put before voters in November goes too far by limiting their liability for accidents caused by their drivers.

... The companies' business model depends on a low-cost flexible workforce, and opponents say the proposal contains loopholes that would create a sub-minimum wage for drivers.