Seattle becomes first U.S. city to let Uber, Lyft drivers unionize

On Monday, the Seattle City Council voted 8-0 in favor of legislation that lets drivers working for Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing companies unionize over working conditions and pay.

"My intent is to make sure that the people, the drivers, the workers in our community continue to have access to good wage jobs," Councilmember Mike O'Brien said. Seattle is the first city in the United States to pass such a measure, which is opposed by Uber and Lyft, who say federal labor law prevents cities from regulating collective bargaining. Under the ordinance, the companies would have to hand over to the city a list of drivers in Seattle, and if a majority of the drivers agree to it, the companies would have to bargain with them; the drivers would be represented by a nonprofit organization certified by the city, The Associated Press reports.

In a statement, Lyft said: "Unfortunately, the ordinance passed today threatens the privacy of drivers, imposes substantial costs on passengers and the city, and conflicts with longstanding federal law."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up