70,000 Massachusetts Drivers Win First US Rideshare Union

Rideshare drivers across Massachusetts just won a victory that could reshape the future of gig work in America.

The Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations officially certified the App Drivers Union on Friday, representing 70,000 Uber and Lyft drivers. This marks the first time ride-hailing workers have gained state-recognized union status anywhere in the country.

The newly formed union can now negotiate directly with Uber and Lyft on critical issues like pay rates, driver safety measures, and the controversial practice of sudden account deactivations. For years, drivers have voiced concerns about low earnings and lack of job security, often feeling powerless to challenge the policies set by tech giants.

Governor Maura Healey called the certification a "historic moment." She emphasized that rideshare drivers deserve a real voice in shaping their wages, benefits, and working conditions as crucial members of local communities and the workforce.

The road to this moment began in November 2024 when Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure granting gig workers collective bargaining power while maintaining their status as independent contractors. This unique approach allows drivers to organize without being reclassified as full employees, a middle ground that addresses worker concerns while preserving flexibility.

Senator Bernie Sanders praised the development on social media Tuesday, calling on both companies to immediately begin negotiating fair contracts that deliver living wages. His statement highlighted the dignity and respect these workers deserve for their essential role in modern transportation.

The Ripple Effect

Massachusetts isn't alone in this movement. California drivers gained similar rights after Governor Gavin Newsom signed landmark legislation in November 2025, and Illinois is currently considering comparable measures.

This wave of unionization efforts signals a fundamental shift in how America thinks about gig work. For years, the debate centered on whether these workers should be classified as employees or independent contractors, an either-or question that left many feeling stuck.

The Massachusetts model offers a third path: independent contractors with collective power. If successful, this approach could inspire similar movements across industries where gig work has become the norm, from food delivery to freelance services.

The certification affects 70,000 drivers who now have a seat at the table where decisions about their livelihoods are made. These are parents trying to pay for childcare, students covering tuition, and retirees supplementing fixed incomes, all united in their push for fair treatment.

As negotiations begin between the union and the ride-hailing companies, workers and advocates nationwide will be watching closely to see what this historic moment delivers.