Rideshare drivers in Illinois, supported by the Illinois Drivers Alliance coalition and unions such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and SEIU Local 1, have launched a campaign for legislation that would allow them to unionize and bargain collectively. The announcement was made at a press conference in Chicago, followed by further actions in Springfield.
The proposed bill, known as the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act, is sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Yolanda Morris. If passed, it would create a legal framework for rideshare drivers to form unions, engage in sectoral bargaining, pay voluntary union dues, and be protected from retaliation or discrimination related to organizing activities. The legislation also aims to prevent company-controlled unions and establish representation fees.
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.”
SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup added: “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.”
IAM Union Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez said: “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.”
During events at the state capitol in Springfield, hundreds of rideshare drivers called on lawmakers to support the bill. State Representative Yolanda Morris emphasized: “More than 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois keep our state moving, yet they don’t have the basic right to organize. 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.”
Illinois rideshare driver Lenny Sanchez commented on ongoing organizing efforts: “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 work remains an essential part of transportation throughout Illinois but continues to present challenges such as declining earnings and unpredictable conditions without collective bargaining power.
