Uber and Lyft drivers in California are able to unite under a new law

California Governor Gavin New Zoom signed a legislation on Friday that gives drivers in the state the right to the union. It is the second country that gives the rights of the drivers, who are independent contractors, in the wake of the passage A similar law in Massachusetts in 2024. There are more than 800,000 Rideshare drivers in California, and the draft law that has just been signed in the law “creates a clear legal framework for the issuance of the Federation’s certificate and bargaining and enforcement operations”, according to a press statement from his office Assemblymember Buffy Wicks.

This means that drivers working in companies such as Uber and Lyft will be able to compromise collectively to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. under conditions Among the law, drivers organizations will be able to apply for recognition of the Union starting in May 2026 as long as they have support of at least 10 percent of active Rideshare drivers in the state. The organization will then need to support at least 30 percent of active drivers to start bargaining on their behalf.

As part of the deal that was made in September, newsom also signed a procedure that reduces the requirements of Uber and Lyft insurance coverage in the event of accidents caused by unlikely insured drivers, Associated Press Reports.