Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure Tuesday that would allow ride-hailing vehicle drivers to unionize, becoming the first U.S. state to allow drivers for app-based companies such as Uber and Lyft to do so.
With 94% of polling stations polling, 53.9% of voters approved a new framework that would allow rideshare drivers, considered independent contractors by companies, to unionize and collectively negotiate wages and benefits, according to the Associated Press, which announced the vote midday Wednesday.
Supporters of the measure said it could serve as a model for other states to allow Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize and inspire efforts to unionize them across the United States.
The Massachusetts vote is the latest installment in a years-long battle in the United States over whether transit drivers should be considered independent contractors or entitled employees. to social benefits and salary protections. Studies have shown that using contractors can cost businesses up to 30% less than employees.
Uber and Lyft drivers, including about 70,000 in Massachusetts, are barred from unionizing under the National Labor Relations Act, a federal law that only covers actual employees.
Under the measure passed in Massachusetts, known as Question 3, drivers could form a union after collecting the signatures of at least 25 percent of active drivers in Massachusetts. Under the measure, companies could form associations allowing them to negotiate jointly with the union in state-supervised talks.
The measure was supported by the Service Employees International Union and the International Association of Machinists, as well as several prominent political leaders, including Andrea Campbell, the state’s Democratic attorney general.
In June, Ms. Campbell reached a deal with Uber and Lyft, asking them to adopt a $32.50 hourly minimum wage for Massachusetts drivers and pay $175 million to end accusations that they treated drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.
As part of the settlement, the companies backed away from supporting a since-abandoned ballot measure that would have codified into law the status of drivers as contractors. But the regulation did not allow drivers to be declared employed.
Uber and Lyft opted not to campaign against Question 3, although they both said they were concerned about some of the measure’s language and hoped the state legislature could move on from it. occupy.
Question 3 was introduced before the industry dropped its separate ballot proposal, and its supporters argued it was the best path forward for drivers to get better working conditions after the settlement.
Question 3 divided the local union movement, with some activists saying it did not go far enough. Some opponents also argued that it could conflict with federal law and be subject to legal challenge.
