Massachusetts voters approved unionization efforts for ride-hailing drivers

In last November’s general election, Massachusetts voters approved Question 3: the Unionization and Collective Bargaining for Transportation Network Drivers Initiative, allowing the state’s more than 80,000 Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize and collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions. (The measure only covers ride-hailing service drivers not those delivering goods for companies such as DoorDash.) Aiming to address such issues as sub-minimum wages and other driver concerns, it is a groundbreaking result that could spur similar unionization efforts in other states. It is the latest development in ongoing battles over the role of gig workers in the U.S. economy, specifically, whether they should be considered independent contractors or employees entitled to benefits or wages.

Question 3 was approved with 54% support of the vote. Once implemented, the new Massachusetts law will grant ride-hailing drivers the right to form unions and negotiate pay, benefits, and work conditions. It will also establish what constitutes unfair work practices and allow drivers to take their cases before the Massachusetts Employment Relations Board. The state will have the final say on approving any negotiated recommendations or agreements. Unlike other recent ballot measures, such as California’s Proposition 22 (a 2020 Ballot Measure), ride-hailing companies Lyft and Uber did not actively oppose the Massachusetts measure.

Before the election, Bloomberg Law reported that such a win in Massachusetts could lead to similar driver unionization efforts in other states like California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, and Washington—all of which have pushed to improve work conditions and agreements for gig workers (i.e., they can remain independent contractors but are eligible for some benefits that typically accrue to traditional employees).