Marketplace Tech New CA law requires Uber and Lyft to bargain with drivers
Oct 20, 2025
Levi Sumagaysay, a reporter at CalMatters focused on California politics, breaks down a pivotal new law mandating Uber and Lyft to bargain with their drivers. They discuss how this legislation could enhance working conditions for around 800,000 drivers by enabling sectoral bargaining. Sumagaysay also explores the potential ripple effects nationwide, the challenges of organizing, and what drivers are seeking—better pay and protections. Additionally, he reveals how Uber and Lyft have responded to this transformative bill.
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State Law Creates Sectoral Bargaining Path
- California passed a law requiring Uber and Lyft to collectively bargain with drivers despite their contractor status.
- The law creates a sectoral-bargaining-like pathway that could change conditions for roughly 800,000 drivers in California.
Two States Could Spark Wider Change
- Massachusetts and California now allow ride-hail drivers to unionize, which could inspire similar laws elsewhere.
- Early wins in multiple states increase the chance of broader adoption over time.
Drivers Are Hard To Organize
- Levi describes how drivers rarely interact, making organizing slow and difficult.
- He notes Massachusetts' union efforts have progressed slowly because drivers are dispersed and disconnected.