Governor Maura Healey hailed the day as historic, emphasizing its significance for the state and the nation. She noted that the unionization of drivers promises improved pay and benefits for them and their families.
Uber and Lyft drivers gathered at the Massachusetts State House to advocate for forming a ride-sharing union in 2023. The rally highlighted the efforts leading to the recognition of a rideshare driver union by Massachusetts.
NBC Boston
Massachusetts has acknowledged the App Drivers Union, marking the first certification of an Uber/Lyft driver union in the United States. This union will represent nearly 70,000 drivers statewide, making it the largest group of private-sector workers to achieve union recognition since the Ford workers joined the United Auto Workers in 1941.
Autumn Weintraub, the executive director of the App Drivers Union, described the victory as one of the most significant organizing triumphs in the last century.
The Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations found that the App Drivers Union had gained support from 32% of active rideshare drivers, surpassing the 25% threshold required for certification. Competing unions and drivers opposing union representation had until the previous Friday afternoon to initiate an election by garnering at least 25% support from the group.
Governor Healey plans to join the celebration of the union’s certification at the state house on Tuesday.
Massachusetts voters previously endorsed rideshare drivers’ right to unionize in 2024, with 54% approving a ballot measure. Concurrently, the state government is advancing regulations to mandate more thorough background checks for drivers and provide riders additional means to verify their rides.
The App Drivers Union is associated with the Service Employees International Union and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Presidents from both organizations were scheduled to attend the rally in Boston.