Massachusetts voters pass measure letting Uber, Lyft drivers unionize

Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure Tuesday that would give rideshare drivers at app-based companies like Uber and Lyft the green light to unionize.

The Massachusetts bill, known as Question 3, would allow rideshare drivers, who are considered independent contractors, to collectively bargain over wages and benefits.

Under the National Labor Relations Act, Uber and Lyft drivers, including about 70,000 in Massachusetts, do not have the right to organize.

Question 3 says drivers can form a union after drawing from at least 25% of Massachusetts’ active drivers. This measure will allow companies to form associations and jointly negotiate with trade unions when negotiating state supervision.

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FOX Business has reached out to both Uber and Lyft for a response.

A Lyft spokesperson told FOX Business, “We look forward to working with the implementation of this ballot measure following its passage and addressing some of the language concerns in Congress next year.” Ta.

Uber did not respond prior to publication.

Uber headquarters in San Francisco. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)

Question 3 comes amid a years-long battle in the United States over whether rideshare drivers should be considered independent contractors or employees entitled to benefits and wages. be.

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Supporters say the ballot measure could serve as a model for other states to allow Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize and spur efforts to organize drivers across the country. .

Reuters contributed to this report.