View Full Version : California Assembly 5 NEW LAW Independent Contractors will no longer be allowed!!!
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anonamiss
01-11-2020, 05:25 PM
I asked them about that too, that’s what they said:
You can work full or part time, it is up to you.
Wtf?The way they treat us really pissing me off to be honest. I feel like some third sort person. 15 k in case of my death? I couldn’t imagine anything like this !
Who did you ask? CalGems or the HR company?
"You can work part time or full time, it's up to you" makes no sense... I thought if someone is full time they have to be working 30+ hours a week EVERY week in order to receive benefits.
And that all of us who opted for part time wouldn't be offered benefits. But it sounds like everyone was offered them via the HR site? (I haven't finished all the HR forms yet so I haven't read the benefits or handbook yet.)
What a shit show. CalGems needs to respond to everyone ASAP or put out some mass messages clarifying everything.
Sersay
01-11-2020, 05:32 PM
Then I received final offer with 28% in it I asked CalGems if it’s for part or full time ( then I emailed them at 1st place I didn’t mention if I want part or full) so, what was their answer. Up to you.
I guess there is no difference now, full or part time
SamanthaSugar
01-11-2020, 06:17 PM
So are we now CalGems?
GracieBlue
01-11-2020, 06:17 PM
You know the more and more I think about it they should've contracted this whole situation out to an existing studio because I feel like that's basically what they're doing with us is making us studio models, if that makes sense. Katy would've done an amazing and organized job with this. I'm sure there's details I missing but it just seems like they should've hired someone who knows what they're doing and knows the industry.
GracieBlue
01-11-2020, 06:27 PM
I guess we'll find out at midnight! I'm gonna start asking my regulars to tag me as CalGems! :D
So are we now CalGems?
anonamiss
01-11-2020, 06:39 PM
I guess we'll find out at midnight! I'm gonna start asking my regulars to tag me as CalGems! :D
oof, not me, lol. My guys don't even know I live in CA. When I started camming I said I was from another state, and now it's just become part of my character. Too deep in the lie to go back now, haha. It's been an absolute bitch not being able to speak openly about this on my social media or live on cam.
anonamiss
01-11-2020, 06:46 PM
You know the more and more I think about it they should've contracted this whole situation out to an existing studio because I feel like that's basically what they're doing with us is making us studio models, if that makes sense. Katy would've done an amazing and organized job with this. I'm sure there's details I missing but it just seems like they should've hired someone who knows what they're doing and knows the industry.
I believe Katy chimed in to this thread a couple times but I don't think she ever updated whether or not their daily pay studio worked out a deal with SM in regards to AB-5. I went back but couldn't find the exact post I was looking for. I thought she or someone else mentioned that it would cost studios additional money to deal with new HR/admin related things that dealt with us being employees (benefits, etc.)
So it would kind of suck to work with a daily pay studio who already takes 5%, but then has to take even more of a cut to deal with the new employee benefit related costs. If you could opt out of daily pay and just get the highest percentage possible on a regular biweekly pay schedule, then yes I agree, I'd much rather work with a competent studio/company who understands the industry.
GracieBlue
01-11-2020, 06:56 PM
Yeah I don't even think it was an option for them to keep us California performers. My hypothetical idea would be for them to form the CalGems thing with SM. But we obviously know CG is SM. But they hired resourcing edge or whatever it is they could've hired someone in the industry or something like that.
anonamiss
01-11-2020, 07:01 PM
Yeah I don't even think it was an option for them to keep us California performers. My hypothetical idea would be for them to form the CalGems thing with SM. But we obviously know CG is SM. But they hired resourcing urge or whatever it is they could've hired someone in the industry or something like that.
For sure.
Speaking of Resourcing Edge, has anyone completed all the HR stuff?
I have a serious issue signing away on the "employee handbook" if there is all that dress code, etc nonsense in it, without hearing back from CalGems first.
vivianbear
01-11-2020, 10:43 PM
So uslove has updated because of the recent changes as well. Its on their front page.
Can you post a screenshot or link? I'm on USL & there's nothing new in my model inbox. I asked about it, a couple of weeks ago and they gave me a line about how their lawyers said they were exempt but it completely came across like they just had no idea what I was talking about. I didn't believe a word of it.
Edited: I went to my USL email acct and found teh notice, there. Uugh.
GracieBlue
01-12-2020, 04:57 PM
My account is same as usual, same percent and all! Just curious if anyone had any changes.
anonamiss
01-12-2020, 06:09 PM
My account is same as usual, same percent and all! Just curious if anyone had any changes.
So I filled out everything on the HR site including all the benefits information.
It "confirmed" that I finished, but now I can't go anywhere else on the HR site (such as to log my hours or anything else).
So I don't really understand what we're supposed to do at this point?
The SM platform looks the exact same. I am skeptical to work tonight without having access to the HR software to be able to track hours, etc.
GracieBlue
01-12-2020, 06:27 PM
I am assuming that they're starting it on the 15th. My percentage last night as of 2 AM was the same as usual. If they are using the same model/program as they do for studios, which I'm assuming they are, it will show our current percentage rate. My guess is that once they switch us over to CG that our percentage rate will change in the SM system when you look at your earnings. So if you are still receiving 35%, nothing has changed. I think the only way to figure it out is to get online and get a tip or do a show. Hope I'm making sense! Also I'm not tracking till I get official notice and also I am still being paid by Katy.
vivianbear
01-12-2020, 10:17 PM
My account is same as usual, same percent and all! Just curious if anyone had any changes.
So, I've got the math in front of me. I'm starting to be concerned that they aren't taking out the percentage, via our SM accts. We may not actually see the deduction until the check comes in. For example, I charge $15 to flash. I get $5.25 (35%) from that. I'm still getting that same amount, tonight. This is telling me that my rates for shows aren't changing, either. So, keep that in mind, while you're working. Whatever that rate you've got, reduce it by about 5-7% to account for what will be reflected in your actual paycheck, ON TOP of tax deductions.
What a clusterfuck. It's like a sick joke, seeing money that I know I don't get and still working towards my goals. Whatever.
GracieBlue
01-12-2020, 10:25 PM
I don't think it started. Streamate is able to go in and fix your percentages to reflect your current %. I am with a studio so at this point I get 30% when I was not with a studio I got 35% and it always reflected on my earnings. I am assuming this is what they're going to do. I could be wrong.
So, I've got the math in front of me. I'm starting to be concerned that they aren't taking out the percentage, via our SM accts. We may not actually see the deduction until the check comes in. For example, I charge $15 to flash. I get $5.25 (35%) from that. I'm still getting that same amount, tonight. This is telling me that my rates for shows aren't changing, either. So, keep that in mind, while you're working. Whatever that rate you've got, reduce it by about 5-7% to account for what will be reflected in your actual paycheck, ON TOP of tax deductions.
What a clusterfuck. It's like a sick joke, seeing money that I know I don't get and still working towards my goals. Whatever.
vivianbear
01-12-2020, 10:46 PM
I'm also holding this theory because of the section of the agreement that says that CAlGems is entitled to take ANY deductions for "over-payment". At first I was like, "Why would they overpay us? Why should I be concerned with that? SM has never 'accidentally' overpaid me, before." Now it makes sense. Of course they can deduct from our paychecks. They're the 3rd-party processors of our pay, now. SM sets our model rates (35%) and CAL-gems adjusts our pay to conform to the new labor requirements.
Again, this is just a theory but they're pretty explicit about this starting now, as in Sunday, January 11, 2020. I don't see why they'd wait any longer for those of us who've signed & are integrated into HR. Anything else is for stragglers or models who are needing specific allowances.
All I'm saying is do the math & be ready for a shorter paycheck than what you see in your register, today.
GracieBlue
01-12-2020, 10:54 PM
Where is it explicit that it starts January 11? I've only ever seen that it starts January 15 that we start getting the different percentage. I had to sign a new commission rate contract on Friday that said it started the 15th.
I'm also holding this theory because of the section of the agreement that says that CAlGems is entitled to take ANY deductions for "over-payment". At first I was like, "Why would they overpay us? Why should I be concerned with that? SM has never 'accidentally' overpaid me, before." Now it makes sense. Of course they can deduct from our paychecks. They're the 3rd-party processors of our pay, now. SM sets our model rates (35%) and CAL-gems adjusts our pay to conform to the new labor requirements.
Again, this is just a theory but they're pretty explicit about this starting now, as in Sunday, January 11, 2020. I don't see why they'd wait any longer for those of us who've signed & are integrated into HR. Anything else is for stragglers or models who are needing specific allowances.
All I'm saying is do the math & be ready for a shorter paycheck than what you see in your register, today.
GracieBlue
01-12-2020, 10:57 PM
This is what I got Friday.
Commission Percentage: Effective January 15, 2020, you will receive commissions based on 29% of all live chat sales generated by your performances on Streamate.com. The terms and conditions of your commission pay are governed by the Company’s Commission Plan.
vivianbear
01-12-2020, 11:49 PM
Where is it explicit that it starts January 11? I've only ever seen that it starts January 15 that we start getting the different percentage. I had to sign a new commission rate contract on Friday that said it started the 15th.
Sounds like you got something different than I did. You go ahead & go by what you've got & I'll go by mine. For all I know, they're telling 100 different models 100 different things. Who knows? I'm just going by what makes sense to me.
GracieBlue
01-12-2020, 11:57 PM
Makes sense! Definitely seems like we all are not getting the same info. That's why I asked about the 11th, just trying to make sense of all of it. Hopefully we will all get answers tomorrow. :)
Sounds like you got something different than I did. You go ahead & go by what you've got & I'll go by mine. For all I know, they're telling 100 different models 100 different things. Who knows? I'm just going by what makes sense to me.
MadisonBenz
01-13-2020, 12:58 PM
I did get a email that had 2 different start dates, one was the mentioned 15th then a email stating the 12th...the last check that would be issued from Streamate would be from the 11th.
I did email Cal Gems about the hourly log, the mentioned that Resourcing Edge would be emailing me a link for the hourly logs during the on boarding process...I have finished all the documents, W-4 & benefits this past Friday. They did provide me with a phone number to get into contact with Melissa for R.E. HR...I will call her in a minute & will post a follow-up.
I did jump on for a few hours and logged my hours and my break, just in case.
anonamiss
01-13-2020, 01:21 PM
I did get a email that had 2 different start dates, one was the mentioned 15th then a email stating the 12th...the last check that would be issued from Streamate would be from the 11th.
I did email Cal Gems about the hourly log, the mentioned that Resourcing Edge would be emailing me a link for the hourly logs during the on boarding process...I have finished all the documents, W-4 & benefits this past Friday. They did provide me with a phone number to get into contact with Melissa for R.E. HR...I will call her in a minute & will post a follow-up.
I did jump on for a few hours and logged my hours and my break, just in case.
When you say you logged your hours, do you mean you did it on the Resourcing Edge site? Or you just tracked/took your own notes to input later? I finished all my onboarding/benefits paperwork and when I log into the RE site it is still on the "Onboarding completed" page and doesn't let me go anywhere else.
MadisonBenz
01-13-2020, 01:38 PM
When you say you logged your hours, do you mean you did it on the Resourcing Edge site? Or you just tracked/took your own notes to input later? I finished all my onboarding/benefits paperwork and when I log into the RE site it is still on the "Onboarding completed" page and doesn't let me go anywhere else.
I just logged it on an Excel spreadsheet...I have not received the logging information or link from them yet.
When I log into the RE site, it states the same thing.
I did leave a voicemail for them...hopefully soon I will hear back
I do wonder if they will be using software, like Kronos, for punch in & out and keep the time logs.
GracieBlue
01-13-2020, 02:04 PM
Here's some info I got today. Hopefully you guys will find this helpful. I also inquired as to whether our dashboards will start reflecting the accurate percentage that we are getting or if it will remain the same and that CalGems/Resourcing edge will do the math. I had basically asked all of them when we should start tracking hours and when the change will take place.
This was from Liz today:
As far as I know it’s still the 15th
This is from Melissa:
January 15th is the officially start of payroll services provider to your employer, CAL Gems. Have you completed all of your new hire paperwork?
Melissa
Also from Melissa(I had asked her specifically if I should just start tracking on the 15th):
Yes, that will work great! Remember that they are wanting things not to change for you as much as possible so don’t get to worried about tracking time. You will be paid regardless based on your commissions.
From CalGems:
You will be on a bi-weekly payroll schedule. The first pay period is inclusive of time worked form January 12th through January 25th and will be paid on your first payroll check on January 31st. Resourcing Edge offers direct deposit or bank card payments. "
GracieBlue
01-13-2020, 02:14 PM
Just got this last update!
Your earnings reports from Streamate will include the updated rates going forward.
Thank you,
CAL Gems
MadisonBenz
01-13-2020, 02:15 PM
Here's some info I got today. Hopefully you guys will find this helpful. I also inquired as to whether our dashboards will start reflecting the accurate percentage that we are getting or if it will remain the same and that CalGems/Resourcing edge will do the math. I had basically asked all of them when we should start tracking hours and when the change will take place.
This was from Liz today:
As far as I know it’s still the 15th
This is from Melissa:
January 15th is the officially start of payroll services provider to your employer, CAL Gems. Have you completed all of your new hire paperwork?
Melissa
Also from Melissa(I had asked her specifically if I should just start tracking on the 15th):
Yes, that will work great! Remember that they are wanting things not to change for you as much as possible so don’t get to worried about tracking time. You will be paid regardless based on your commissions.
From CalGems:
You will be on a bi-weekly payroll schedule. The first pay period is inclusive of time worked form January 12th through January 25th and will be paid on your first payroll check on January 31st. Resourcing Edge offers direct deposit or bank card payments. "
I just got a similar voicemail from her stating this. I had to leave her another voicemail to get back to her, but I am confused on that getting paid regardless off your commissions statement...so we won’t be getting the which ever is greater either hourly or commissions every two weeks? It is just commissions now?
i am hoping this can be clarified by her or if you guys have anymore insight?
GracieBlue
01-13-2020, 02:39 PM
I am kind of taking it that most everyone makes more than minimum wage, historically. It will probably clear up a lot of things once we can see the resourcing edge dashboard for us or whatever you want to call it. I think it was kind of nice that she stated they wanted to keep things the same for us as much as they can.
I just got a similar voicemail from her stating this. I had to leave her another voicemail to get back to her, but I am confused on that getting paid regardless off your commissions statement...so we won’t be getting the which ever is greater either hourly or commissions every two weeks? It is just commissions now?
i am hoping this can be clarified by her or if you guys have anymore insight?
MadisonBenz
01-13-2020, 02:41 PM
I am kind of taking it that most everyone makes more than minimum wage, historically. It will probably clear up a lot of things once we can see the resourcing edge dashboard for us or whatever you want to call it. I think it was kind of nice that she stated they wanted to keep things the same for us as much as they can.
I totally agree. I guess I am just curious more than anything.
GracieBlue
01-13-2020, 02:57 PM
Me too! I think once we get a couple of pay periods under our belt with them we will all start to feel normal again!
I totally agree. I guess I am just curious more than anything.
anonamiss
01-13-2020, 03:46 PM
Wait, so CalGems said our first pay week starts on the 12th but HR said the 15th?
I am skeptical to work at all today and tomorrow because I don't want my money to end up in some paycheck limbo.
La Luna
01-13-2020, 04:20 PM
ok so as a california model now "employed" by streamate and no longer an independent contractor i have exactly zero traffic in my room. its all dried up. like minimum wage now. anyone else in california notice this? any models elsewhere have bad traffic? or is it just cali employees now?
MadisonBenz
01-13-2020, 04:40 PM
So, I just got off the phone with Melissa, who is fantastic btw.
She states that it still is a either or situation, but it is like a normal sales job you need to perform better than minimum wage, since that costs Cal Gems money & not making them money. They will have a review in 60 days to see how their models are doing...so if you aren’t making more than minimum wage I wouldn’t expect to be staying on with them.
Our time is tracked on SM and Cal Gems gets that report, then gets forwarded to payment by RE. That’s how I heard it.
It is the 15th for Cal Gems start date for us.
And for the traffic, I had lots of people in my room last night, but I was having issues with my stream glitching with the site, which is BEYOND frustrating.
GracieBlue
01-13-2020, 04:55 PM
That makes total sense! It's nice that we can speak to someone on the phone now, if only it was for tech-support though! I would say while we are in limbo that we just keep checking our earnings and percentages. If you are daily pay, we will still get paid if we are on their system. At least that's how I am understanding it.
So, I just got off the phone with Melissa, who is fantastic btw.
She states that it still is a either or situation, but it is like a normal sales job you need to perform better than minimum wage, since that costs Cal Gems money & not making them money. They will have a review in 60 days to see how their models are doing...so if you aren’t making more than minimum wage I wouldn’t expect to be staying on with them.
Our time is tracked on SM and Cal Gems gets that report, then gets forwarded to payment by RE. That’s how I heard it.
It is the 15th for Cal Gems start date for us.
And for the traffic, I had lots of people in my room last night, but I was having issues with my stream glitching with the site, which is BEYOND frustrating.
GracieBlue
01-13-2020, 04:57 PM
I did not do as well as I wanted to last night but that was because I was in a shitty mood. My placement and everything was the exact same. Could be just an off night or day.
ok so as a california model now "employed" by streamate and no longer an independent contractor i have exactly zero traffic in my room. its all dried up. like minimum wage now. anyone else in california notice this? any models elsewhere have bad traffic? or is it just cali employees now?
Sersay
01-13-2020, 09:33 PM
I think we should calm down a lil bit. Everything gonna be just fine. All earning made by 15 we gonna receive via our chosen payment method. All tracking bulshit thing on their own till they personally inform us otherwise.
SamanthaSugar
01-13-2020, 11:31 PM
ok so as a california model now "employed" by streamate and no longer an independent contractor i have exactly zero traffic in my room. its all dried up. like minimum wage now. anyone else in california notice this? any models elsewhere have bad traffic? or is it just cali employees now?
I had a super busy day, with tons of traffic. I even raised my rates. You all should think about raising your rates, don't let this change make you lose $$. It's expensive enough already in CA to take a pay cut when the cost of living is rising, don't short change yourself.
I'm sorry you had a slow day, maybe it was just an off day for you, we all have them. If anything, I hope this eases your mind that CA girls are getting crap traffic now. Sending out tons of prosperity vibes that tomorrow you'll kick ass and exceed your daily goal. One good thing about the change is that it's going to keep me accountable for staying online and getting my hours in, trying to look on the sunnyside.
GracieBlue
01-14-2020, 12:47 PM
Same with me! Last night was great! May not be a very popular opinion, but if I don't make money, it's my own fault 99% of the time.
I had a super busy day, with tons of traffic. I even raised my rates. You all should think about raising your rates, don't let this change make you lose $$. It's expensive enough already in CA to take a pay cut when the cost of living is rising, don't short change yourself.
I'm sorry you had a slow day, maybe it was just an off day for you, we all have them. If anything, I hope this eases your mind that CA girls are getting crap traffic now. Sending out tons of prosperity vibes that tomorrow you'll kick ass and exceed your daily goal. One good thing about the change is that it's going to keep me accountable for staying online and getting my hours in, trying to look on the sunnyside.
SamanthaSugar
01-14-2020, 01:58 PM
Same with me! Last night was great! May not be a very popular opinion, but if I don't make money, it's my own fault 99% of the time.
100%! I always do awful when I'm not into it. Even though I think I'm playing it off, they can tell, it's like they have a 6th sense, and there I sit in Free Chat Prison, which just escalates my bad mood.
Now, if I'm super exhausted I won't log on, cz if my energy and attitude aren't up to par, I'm not making crap. There's no fooling them.
I'm praying that tonight will be a repeat of last night. One night you can be a Hero and the next night a Zero. Gotta love the unpredictable world of ulcer producing camming.
anonamiss
01-15-2020, 01:46 PM
Does anyone have access to the actual HR employee portal yet?
Mine has been stuck on the "onboarding completed" page for days.
I just emailed their general support about it.
Also, is your new commission properly showing up on your earnings page? I haven't worked this week yet.
GracieBlue
01-15-2020, 01:51 PM
Mine is still the same, no change over yet.
Does anyone have access to the actual HR employee portal yet?
Mine has been stuck on the "onboarding completed" page for days.
I just emailed their general support about it.
Also, is your new commission properly showing up on your earnings page? I haven't worked this week yet.
anonamiss
01-15-2020, 02:34 PM
Here is the response I got back from support (quite fast, btw) --
"I've double-checked our system and confirm that you have already completed your online on-boarding. We're just waiting for the I-9 Section 2 to complete which is to be accomplished by your employer."
So... now it's on CalGems. Ugh. I just want to see the damn portal and start properly working already.
GracieBlue
01-15-2020, 07:37 PM
It's been pretty decent the past few nights! Maybe just log on and keep track, screenshot your earnings etc. Seems like it's taking them longer than they thought.
MadisonBenz
01-16-2020, 05:34 PM
I did receive another email from Cal Gems about uploading 2 identifications for the i9 & a updated signed Terms of Service agreement.
It states: “You will become an Employee of Cal Gems, once you have completed the onboarding process. Documents must be submitted before 1/28 in order for you to be eligible to stream with SM through Cal Gems.
I just did mine & uploaded it with the RE link they provided.
GracieBlue
01-16-2020, 05:38 PM
Check your email! Looks like we're not starting as soon as we thought! There's some links to click on but when I followed them and signed up there was like nothing there.
Hello,
As part of your onboarding process with Resourcing Edge you will be presented with several employment documents including the Form I-9, which requires supporting documentation.
Attached is a list of acceptable documents. We've also included the CAL Gems Performer Terms of Service Agreement which will also need to be completed for you to be eligible to stream with Streamate through CAL Gems.
Please click the following link to securely submit your supporting i9 documents and a signed copy of the Terms of Service Agreement so we can complete set up.
You will become an employee of CAL Gems, once you have completed the onboarding process. Documents must to be submitted before January 28th in order for you to be eligible to stream with Streamate through CAL Gems.
Thank you,
CAL Gems
GracieBlue
01-16-2020, 05:39 PM
Jinx! But when I did the sign up there was nothing there. Maybe it's because I'm on my phone. Madison did you get an attachment? I think that's what I'm missing.
MadisonBenz
01-16-2020, 05:42 PM
Hahaha total jinx.
I would definitely do it on the computer.
GracieBlue
01-16-2020, 05:44 PM
Did you get an attachment? I think that's what I missing!
Hahaha total jinx.
I would definitely do it on the computer.
caramelcraze
01-16-2020, 05:51 PM
Just found out that a law similar to this is being considered in my state as well and I’m scared. I have the means to move so if it happens I may just do so.
anonamiss
01-16-2020, 07:24 PM
Just found out that a law similar to this is being considered in my state as well and I’m scared. I have the means to move so if it happens I may just do so.
A lot of states are considering it. I don't mean to bring politics into this but I would say if you're really worried, stay out of blue states, as red states are way less likely to implement laws like this.
It's also possible that none of that will matter if we get a democratic president in the next election, which may lead to AB-5 being a baseline for federal law. This is why we need the webcamming industry to get a specific exemption as opposed to just trying to dodge it by moving elsewhere.
anonamiss
01-16-2020, 07:32 PM
Did you get an attachment? I think that's what I missing!
I got two PDF attachments. The first one just states what types of documentation you can submit for your I-9 form (passport, or a combo of driver's license plus birth certificate or SS card, for example.)
The second one is the Performer Terms of Service Agreement which looks pretty similar to Streamate's Performer Code of Conduct, other than new language about CalGems (not Streamate) being our employer, and a bunch of legalese.