Ridesharing drivers’ unions are, no doubt, loud, but their presence isn’t totally accepted yet in many states.
Not anymore in Massachusetts.
According to a recent news on Reuters, the Bay State made history becoming the first state to certify that unions of Lyft and Uber drivers, categorized as independent contract workers under federal law, can now freely organize and form.
On Tuesday, ridesharing drivers for these apps gathered outside the Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood’s statehouse to celebrate, following the official certification from the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations last Friday.
The drivers who gathered make up the App Drivers Union, supported by 32BJ Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Even the Massachusetts Democrat governor, Maura Healey, declared they really made history.
“It is believable, and it shows what’s possible when people actually come together, work together, and get it done,” Governor Healey told Ridesharing Forum. “It’s also an important message to the rest of the country. I’m proud of Massachusetts. You guys claimed your right, you claimed your union, and now you’re the first in the United States to be a unionized rideshare.”
This brand-new union is the biggest private-sector-workforce to win this type of recognition, not achieved, since, get this, 1941. This union comprises up to 70,000 ridesharing drivers in Massachusetts
Ridesharing driver Jean Fredo chatted with Ridesharing Forum, too, saying, “With the union, it will not feel like we’re working for nothing. Now the money will not only stay in the billionaire’s pockets. The money will actually come to the workers who work very hard.”
Lyft and Uber never opposed this decision, so things ran smoothly. They confirmed they will work closely together with the App Drivers Union to “ensure that driver flexibility and hard-won benefits remain the foundation of our progress, while upholding the highest standards of safety, data security, transparency, and public accountability.”
Lyft’s communications director, CJ Macklin, provided more detail, pointing out, “As this new process moves forward, we’re committed to engaging in right faith. 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.”
Lyft is the world’s go-to app for connecting passengers with nearby drivers through its Internet-based system. Riders enter a destination, view fare estimates, select ride types, and request the pickup.
These Lyft drivers then accept trips, navigate using the app, and earn money per ride. Payments are processed digitally, with ratings helping maintain service quality and rider-driver accountability.
Congratulations to these Massachusetts drivers! For more ridesharing news, keep it locked right here on Ridesharing Forum. Sign up and become a member here today!