Giannoulias Joins SEIU To Mark Historic Expansion Of Workers’ Rights For Rideshare Drivers
New Law Gives More Than 100,000 Rideshare Drivers a Path to Organize and Bargain Collectively
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias today joined SEIU leaders and rideshare drivers to celebrate House Bill 5090 becoming law. This landmark legislation gives more than 100,000 rideshare drivers across Illinois the right to organize and collectively bargain for better pay, stronger protections and a voice in company decisions that affect their livelihoods.
Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 5090, the Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act, into law on August 7. The law creates a statewide framework that allows rideshare drivers to form or join a driver organization, select a representative and bargain collectively with transportation network companies.
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“This law is a major victory for working people across Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “Rideshare drivers deserve the same opportunity as other workers to come together, make their voices heard and advocate for fair wages, safer working conditions and greater accountability. This is an important step toward ensuring the modern workforce is treated with fairness and respect and that innovation does not come at the expense of workers’ rights.”
"Today belongs to the more than 100,000 rideshare drivers across Illinois who refused to accept a system that gave them all the risk and responsibility but none of the respect or voice on the job. By signing this bill into law, Governor Pritzker has given drivers the freedom to come together and have a voice in decisions about the pay, protections, and dignity they deserve,” said Ronnie Gonzalez, App Drivers Union Leader. “This victory was built by drivers who organized, spoke out, spoke with their legislators, and never gave up – we're proud to be a part of that. Now the real work begins as drivers build their union and negotiate a safer and stronger future for themselves and their families.”
The new law allows drivers and their representatives to negotiate with rideshare companies over issues including compensation, benefits, safety, paid leave, deactivation policies and other working conditions.
The legislation also creates the Rideshare Workers Support Fund, which will be administered by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. Rideshare companies will pay a 4-cent-per-ride fee to help cover implementation costs and fund grants supporting driver organizing and representation. The companies are prohibited from passing the fee on to consumers.
The law follows a years-long organizing effort by rideshare drivers and labor advocates seeking a greater voice in the industry. Drivers traveled to Springfield, met with legislators, testified at hearings and rallied at the Capitol in support of the legislation.
House Bill 5090 establishes Illinois as a national leader in expanding collective bargaining rights for rideshare drivers and marks a significant step toward ensuring workers in the modern economy have a meaningful voice in their workplaces.
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