Who says that ridesharing unions are merely “side dishes”? These unions are very important since they are the vocals of the drivers who need improvements from the companies so their working conditions can be better.
Aside from those, ridesharing unions are also catalysts for collective bargaining, driver protections, benefits and support, policy representation, and greater transparency. They are not merely decorations.
In a historic feat, Lyft and Uber drivers across California celebrated on Tuesday what they claimed to be “among the largest brand-new organizing successes in modern labor history.”
While total win is not yet complete, these people from the California Gig Workers Union stated they are expecting to get certified already as the collective bargaining representative for Lyft and Uber drivers in the Golden State after a 30-day waiting period.
This week, the granting of their wish will be made, and they are sure, since they were reportedly already informed they would reach the threshold required to represent the state’s drivers, as relayed by the Public Employment Relations Board.
They claimed this feat as early as August 7th.
California Gig Workers Union’s Joseph Augusto, part of this union, stated, “On August 7, 2026, we won. We have won our union, and the lives of hundreds of thousands of drivers in California are going to change because we have at last [won real representation].”
He has been driving for ridesharing companies for so long.
He also cited last year’s passage of Assembly Bill 1340, a law that required rideshare apps to negotiate with unions in good commitment.
Lyft and Uber are recognizing this, and stated they will work together with this official union.
According to Lyft, they are committed to changing their connections with these drivers, now that the union has been certified.
"As this new process moves forward, we’re committed… Lyft does well when drivers do well, and we’ll stay focused on helping drivers succeed while keeping rideshare affordable and dependable for everyone who counts on it,” these are Lyft’s statements.
The world’s number one ridesharing app is ecstatic.
“This certification is the next step in delivering on AB 1340, a historic compromise that gives drivers a pathway to representation while preserving the independence and flexibility they’ve consistently said they value the most,” Uber meanwhile, said. “We look then to our work ahead with the California Gig Workers Union and the state.”
These drivers in California are with high hopes this achievement will be felt by their fellow drivers in other states, such as Massachusetts, Illinois, and so much more. For more ridesharing news, keep it locked right here on the RSF site!