Uber, Lyft drivers could unionize under new proposal

Ride-hail drivers attend a rally announcing new legislation that allows drivers to join a union, at the state Capitol in Sacramento on April 8, 2025. Photo by Louis Bryant III for CalMatters By Yue Stella Yu | CALmatters After years of tussling with gig companies, California’s labor unions want to once again expand workers’ rights — this time by allowing ride-hailing drivers to unionize. And as in tussles past, expect steep opposition from the businesses. Backed by California’s Service Employees International Union, Democratic lawmakers unveiled a measure Tuesday that would allow drivers to bargain with companies like Uber and Lyft for better pay and benefits, a step toward more protections for gig workers. “We stand for the principles that all work has dignity,” said Oakland Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, who introduced Assembly Bill 1340, at a Tuesday press conference. “We stand for the right of every worker to truly have a voice.” The SEIU said more than 600,000 ride-hail drivers statewide would benefit if the legislation is adopted and signed into law. Uber said in a statement that the proposed legislation would make rides in California more expensive “while threatening the flexible jobs thousands depend on.” “Drivers have been clear: They...