Uber and Lyft drivers in California could get the right to unionize under this bill

Two California Democrats have proposed a bill permitting rideshare drivers to negotiate with gig companies for improved pay and benefits. This bill, Assembly Bill 1340, faces likely opposition from gig companies like Uber and Lyft. The legislation would empower drivers to organize and unionize for better working conditions. It also aims to safeguard drivers from retaliation for organizing and provide a process for collective bargaining. The Service Employees International Union estimates that over 600,000 drivers in California would benefit from the bill. This bill arrives approximately five years after Proposition 22, which classified gig workers as independent contractors. Prop 22, supported by Uber and Lyft, aimed to avoid employee-related costs. Lyft supports Prop 22 and believes drivers favor the current framework. They have been developing features to improve the driver experience. Uber has not yet commented on the proposed bill.