A ride-share drivers union says it\u2019s been recognized by Massachusetts, making it the first certified Uber\/Lyft drivers union in the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The App Drivers Union said Monday that it will represent nearly 70,000 drivers in the state, which would be the largest group of private-sector workers to have their union recognized since Ford workers joined the United Auto Workers in 1941.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s one of the biggest organizing union victories in the last century,\u201d the union\u2019s executive director, Autumn Weintraub, told The Boston Globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The App Drivers Union received support from 32% of active ride-share drivers, Massachusetts\u2019 Department of Labor Relations found, above the 25% threshold required by state law for certification. Other unions had until Friday afternoon to trigger an election with their own support from at least 25% of the group, as did ride-share drivers who oppose being represented by a union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A celebration of the certification with Gov. Maura Healey is set for Tuesday at the State House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is a historic day for the state, for the country,\u201d Healey said Monday, noting that drivers being able to unionize \u201cmeans better pay, better wages for them, for their families, so it\u2019s a really great thing. We want people in Massachusetts to have the kind of wages that can support their families.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a recognized union, the App Drivers Union will be able to collectively bargain on behalf of the state\u2019s ride-share drivers for a contract \u2014 the organization says no collective bargaining agreement has ever been reached between drivers and ride-share giants like Uber and Lyft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Massachusetts voters approved ride-share drivers\u2019 right to unionize in 2024, with 54% approving the ballot measure. The state\u2019s government is also moving to increase regulation on drivers under a proposal from the Department of Public Utility that would ensure drivers face more rigorous background checks and riders get more ways to verify they\u2019re in the right car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The App Drivers Union is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The presidents of both organizations were scheduled to attend the 10 a.m. rally in Boston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n