California, Illinois Join Massachusetts in Legalizing Rideshare Driver Unions
California and Illinois pass laws granting rideshare drivers collective bargaining rights.
Why it matters: Labor lawyers need to monitor evolving state laws that enable union representation in gig work, impacting workforce organization across tech-driven sectors.
- Illinois signed HB 5090 on August 7, 2026, allowing over 100,000 rideshare drivers to unionize.
- Massachusetts certified the App Drivers Union for about 70,000 drivers after a 2024 ballot measure.
- California enacted AB 1340 in 2025, permitting unionization without changing independent contractor status.
- California Gig Workers Union secured at least 30% support of 100,000+ drivers, meeting certification criteria.
In a significant development for gig economy labor rights, California and Illinois have enacted laws granting rideshare drivers the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining, following Massachusetts’ precedent.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act (HB 5090) on August 7, 2026. The law applies to over 100,000 rideshare drivers and establishes a statewide bargaining unit. It authorizes the Illinois Labor Relations Board to certify exclusive representatives, marking a historic expansion of labor rights in the state. Illinois Drivers Alliance announcement.
Massachusetts pioneered this sectoral bargaining model after a 2024 ballot measure, codified as M.G.L. c. 150F. By May 2026, the App Drivers Union was certified as the exclusive representative for approximately 70,000 rideshare drivers, enabling collective negotiation rights. Political Bytes article and Massachusetts government summary.
California enacted the Transportation Network Company Drivers Labor Relations Act (AB 1340) in 2025. This law allows over 100,000 active rideshare drivers to unionize and collectively bargain without altering their classification as independent contractors. The California Public Employment Relations Board recognized the California Gig Workers Union’s support from at least 30% of drivers, meeting the certification threshold without an election. Governor Gavin Newsom described the legislation as enabling unionization while maintaining focus on affordability for families. Jackson Lewis analysis and KQED news.
These laws represent a shift in gig worker rights by creating a new legal framework for sectoral bargaining that preserves independent contractor status but offers representation and negotiation avenues. Illinois Drivers Alliance leader Genie Kastrup called the Illinois legislation "about fairness and dignity," highlighting drivers’ ability to select representatives that address their needs.
For labor and employment attorneys, this evolving statutory landscape requires vigilance in advising clients on compliance, union engagement, and workforce strategy in the fast-growing tech-enabled rideshare industry.
By the numbers:
- 100,000+ — rideshare drivers covered under Illinois HB 5090
- 70,000 — drivers represented by Massachusetts’ App Drivers Union
- 30% — minimum driver support recognized by California board for union certification
What's next: Watch for implementation guidelines and potential legal challenges as these laws roll out.