Class Action Lawsuit Challenges Kasamba's Worker Classification Practices

A putative class action lawsuit filed against Kasamba, Inc., a leading online platform for psychic and tarot readings, alleges the company misclassified its readers as independent contractors, potentially breaching California labor laws. The lawsuit, initiated by a former spiritual advisor on behalf of a group of readers, claims this misclassification enabled Kasamba to evade obligations under California's Labor Code and wage orders, including minimum wage payments, business expense reimbursements, and accurate wage statements.

The case, Simic v. Kasamba, Inc. (Case No.: 24STCV23254), filed in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, seeks damages and penalties for the affected readers. Represented by attorneys from Nichols Kaster, LLP and Working Solutions Law Firm, LLC, the plaintiff argues that Kasamba's business model unfairly shifts costs onto its readers, who are essential to the platform's operation.

This legal challenge mirrors broader disputes over worker classification in the gig economy, with implications for how online platforms engage with service providers. A ruling in favor of the plaintiffs could compel Kasamba and similar companies to reclassify their workers as employees, granting them access to benefits and protections currently withheld. The outcome may also influence legislative and regulatory approaches to worker rights in the digital marketplace.

Kasamba, operational since 1999, connects over 3 million users with psychic advisors for services ranging from love readings to career advice. The lawsuit underscores the tension between platform flexibility and worker security, a debate gaining momentum across the gig economy. As the case unfolds, its ramifications for the psychic reading industry and beyond will be closely monitored by stakeholders advocating for clearer labor standards in the digital age.