California, Minnesota Propose Bills Allowing Rideshare Drivers to Unionize

California lawmakers have introduced Assembly Bill 1340, which aims to allow ride-hailing drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft to unionize while remaining classified as independent contractors. The bill, supported by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), seeks to empower drivers to negotiate better pay and working conditions, a shift from previous labor law frameworks that have restricted gig workers' rights. Lawmakers believe this legislation, which is the first significant change following the California Supreme Court's upholding of Proposition 22, could impact over 600,000 drivers statewide. Critics, including Uber, argue that the bill could increase ride costs and compromise drivers' independence. The bill does not extend to food delivery drivers and lacks detailed procedures for collective bargaining enforcement, which lawmakers plan to address during the legislative process. Similar movements are emerging in other states like Minnesota, where lawmakers have introduced bills to enable rideshare drivers to unionize.