Massachusetts Rideshare Drivers Just Created U.S. History

Uber and Lyft drivers in Massachusetts have formed the first union of its kind in America. The App Drivers Union represents the biggest private-sector organizing victory since Ford autoworkers unionized in 1941.

The union includes drivers across the state who work for the ride-sharing platforms. They organized to negotiate better pay, benefits, and working conditions—issues that have plagued gig workers for years as companies classify them as independent contractors rather than employees.

This is a watershed moment for gig economy workers. For decades, app-based driving has been largely non-unionized, with workers scattered and hard to organize. The Massachusetts victory could inspire similar efforts in other states, including Rhode Island, where thousands of drivers work for the same platforms.

The union now has a seat at the table to push for concrete changes in how these companies operate and compensate their workers.

Based on reporting from WPRI.