Massachusetts Certifies First Ride-Share Union for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Massachusetts has certified the first ride-share union in the United States to represent drivers for Uber and Lyft. The App Drivers Union received formal certification to bargain collectively on behalf of nearly 70,000 drivers, according to the New York Times and Reuters.

Federal labor law does not cover independent contractors who work through ride-hailing platforms, so Massachusetts created its own rules. Voters approved a 2024 ballot measure that established a process for gig workers to form unions and negotiate contracts with app companies.

California has already enacted comparable legislation allowing ride-share drivers to organize. Illinois is preparing to implement a similar framework, according to Reuters.

The certification means Uber and Lyft will now be required to negotiate with the union over wages, benefits, and working conditions. The companies have not yet issued public statements on the certification.