After fighting for almost a decade, rideshare drivers in California finally have a union to represent them in negotiations.
According to SEIU officials, the California Gig Workers Union has reached the threshold to represent gig drivers and rideshare drivers around the state.
After a 30-day waiting period, the California Gig Workers Union is expected to be certified as the collective bargaining representative for Uber and Lyft drivers.
Margarita Penalosa, an Uber and Lyft driver from Los Angeles, told KNX News’ Jon Baird she’s thrilled about having a union and hopes the drivers will eventually make more money and get benefits too.
“So we put 60, 70 hours a week to work for these companies and we don't get any benefits out of it,” she said. “No benefits and no overtime. Nothing. Nothing like that because we are independent contractors.”
According to SEIU officials, gig drivers have led the way in the push that eventually led to the passage of AB 1340 in 2025, which gave gig rideshare drivers the right to form a union and collectively bargain with the big rideshare companies.
A spokesperson for Lyft said in a statement, “As this new process moves forward, we’re committed to engaging in good 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.”
A spokesperson for Uber said in a statement, “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 most.”
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