Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) praised the unionization of ride-sharing app Uber (NYSE:UBER) and Lyft Inc. (NASDAQ:LYFT) in a social media post on Tuesday. He described the alliance as a historic victory as it is the first officially state-recognized union for ride-share workers in the U.S.
Sanders pushes Uber & Lyft to negotiate their fair labor contract, saying, "I call on Uber & Lyft to immediately begin negotiating a fair first contract that delivers a living wage & the dignity these workers deserve."
Uber, Lyft Unionization
Ride-sharing drivers in Massachusetts have united to form a union on Friday. The newly formed organization – the App Drivers Union – has been certified by the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations, and would represent 70,000 drivers, according to a New York Times report.
Under the certification, the union can now negotiate with Uber and Lyft for the first time on important terms and conditions such as pay, driver safety and deactivation.
The move marks a historic shift in the years-long debate over the classification of ride-share employees. Governor Maura Healey called the certification a "historic moment."
She said, "Ride-share drivers are crucial members of our workforce and our communities, and they deserve a real voice in shaping their wages, benefits and working conditions."
The ride-hailing drivers won the right to unionize in the country in November 2024 through a ballot measure initiative, which has given the gig workers collective bargaining power as independent contractors.
The ride-sharing drivers also gained the legal right to unionize in California after Governor Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) signed a landmark bill in November 2025. Similar legislation is pending in Illinois.
Uber and Lyft did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings indicate that UBER has a strong Growth score in the 97th percentile but maintains a weak price trend in the short, medium and long term.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings indicate that Lyft stock has a strong Growth score in the 99th percentile and maintains a strong price trend in the short term.
Photo Courtesy: Sheila Fitzgerald on Shutterstock.com
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