Rideshare drivers in Illinois, together with lawmakers and union representatives, have announced new legislation aimed at granting collective bargaining rights to rideshare drivers across the state. The initiative is led by the Illinois Drivers Alliance, a coalition of thousands of drivers supported by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1.
The proposed law would establish a legal process for rideshare drivers to form unions and negotiate contracts. IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli stated, “This legislation protects drivers and guarantees their right to have a voice. The IAM and SEIU have spent more than a decade winning real protections for rideshare drivers in this country. Thanks to the leadership of Senator Ram Villivalam and Representative Yolanda Morris, Illinois now has a real opportunity to help secure bargaining rights for rideshare drivers across the entire state.”
The announcement was made during a press conference in Chicago that began a two-day campaign advocating for driver rights. Drivers described challenges such as declining pay, sudden deactivations from platforms, and unsafe working conditions. SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup said, “The Chicago press conference launched a two-day statewide push for rideshare driver rights. It’s Legislation that finally creates a real pathway for drivers to form a union and have a real voice.”
Following events in Chicago, the effort continued in Springfield where hundreds of drivers gathered at the State Capitol to urge legislators to support the bill. IAM Union Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez commented, “This legislation is about fairness, dignity, and respect for the people who keep Illinois moving every single day. Rideshare drivers have been treated as disposable for far too long. This bill gives drivers a real voice and a real seat at the table.”
Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Yolonda Morris are sponsoring the bill titled the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act. Rep. Morris addressed supporters in Springfield: “More than 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois keep our state moving, yet they don’t have the basic right to organize,” she said. “The Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act would give them a voice on the job to form a union, bargain collectively, and fight for fair pay, safety, and respect.”
If passed into law, key elements of the proposal include establishing procedures for union formation and certification; allowing sector-wide bargaining with voluntary dues; protecting workers from retaliation or discrimination related to organizing; preventing company-controlled unions; creating representation fees; and ensuring opportunities for driver participation within unions.
Before gathering at the Capitol in Springfield, groups of drivers met directly with legislators during an organized lobby day focused on demands such as fair pay standards and job protections. Lenny Sanchez—a driver leader—said: “Drivers are done being ignored… We’re organizing not just for ourselves but for every driver who deserves transparency, fair pay, and protection. The IAM and SEIU have been working with us for years and they are definitely the answer for us becoming union.”
Rideshare services play an important role in connecting people throughout Illinois but many drivers report low earnings along with unpredictable work conditions.
Coverage of these developments has appeared on several media outlets including CBS News Chicago Tribune Block Club Chicago Telemundo Chicago WHBF (CBS) Chicago Sun-Times.
