Numerous Uber and Lyft drivers throughout California may soon join a newly established union.
The California Gig Workers Union (CGWU) reached the necessary 30% threshold of active drivers endorsing the unionization initiative on August 7, as reported by the state’s Public Employment Relations Board.
State authorities must certify CGWU within 30 days of the union’s authorization. If approved, CGWU will serve as the exclusive bargaining agent for Uber and Lyft drivers in California.
This is promising news for individuals like Margarita Penalosa.
“I worked over 12 hours a day, six to seven days a week — often hardly taking one day off due to exhaustion,” she stated.
Penalosa, a Los Angeles-based Uber and Lyft driver and union organizer, has been driving for rideshare services since 2017.
She noted that this moment for CGWU arises after over ten years of drivers striving for a voice in their work.
The union is aligned with the prominent labor group Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which has assisted in organizing. SEIU indicated that establishing the California Gig Workers Union is the most straightforward route to ensuring representation for rideshare drivers in the state.
“Everyone is in urgent need and facing difficulties. The high cost of living and driving, along with minimal compensation from the companies — it’s intolerable,” said Penalosa.
Rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, meaning they do not receive overtime pay or other protections offered under federal law.
However, state legislators passed AB 1340 last year, providing drivers a pathway to unionize and negotiate for protections.
“I’m earning significantly less than I did when I first started,” remarked Uber and Lyft driver Librado Rivera. “Customers tell us they continue to pay high fares, but the drivers’ earnings have been slashed, which has made things challenging.”
In addition to being a rideshare driver, Rivera is also a cofounder of San Diego Drivers United.
He mentioned that he and other organization members are seeking better wages and benefits, but Rivera is not particularly enthusiastic about joining the union.
“We have certain reservations regarding it, especially about the dues drivers would need to pay to gain access to these benefits,” he expressed. “It feels like yet another burden on them, taking more away from their earnings.”
Rivera’s organization represents 500 drivers.
Initially, Drivers United was optimistic about the union’s prospects, but now they are advocating for more changes at the local government level.
Nonetheless, he acknowledges that some members of his organization do support CGWU.
“It’s a diverse viewpoint. But we should respect each other’s opinions,” Rivera noted.
KPBS reached out to Lyft and Uber regarding the upcoming establishment of the California Gig Workers Union.
“As this new process progresses, we’re dedicated to engaging in good faith,” expressed Lyft Communications Director CJ Macklin. “We will continue to focus on assisting drivers while ensuring rideshare remains affordable and reliable for all users.”
Uber’s Western U.S. division also provided a statement, asserting:
“This certification marks a significant step in realizing AB 1340, a groundbreaking compromise that offers drivers a route to representation while upholding the independence and flexibility they have consistently stated is vital to them,” remarked Ramona Prieto from the organization. “We look forward to collaborating with the California Gig Workers Union and the state as we move forward.”
CGWU affirmed that no dues will be charged until a contract is ratified.
