Rideshare drivers in Illinois, along with lawmakers and labor unions, have introduced legislation aimed at granting collective bargaining rights to rideshare drivers across the state. The initiative is led by the Illinois Drivers Alliance, which is supported by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1.
“This legislation protects drivers and guarantees their right to have a voice,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “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.”
The announcement was made during a press conference in Chicago, where drivers discussed issues such as declining pay, sudden deactivations from platforms, and unsafe working conditions. These concerns were presented as key reasons for seeking collective bargaining rights within an industry that plays a significant role in Illinois’ transportation sector.
SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup commented on the event: “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.”
Following the Chicago event, efforts continued in Springfield with further advocacy activities. IAM Union Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez stated: “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.”
Hundreds of members of the Illinois Drivers Alliance gathered at the State Capitol to urge lawmakers to pass legislation establishing clear guidelines for union formation among rideshare workers.
Illinois State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Yolonda Morris are sponsoring what is called the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act. Rep. Morris joined coalition partners in Springfield to advocate for prompt legislative action: “More than 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois keep our state moving, yet they don’t have the basic right to organize,” said Illinois State Representative and Bill Sponsor Yolanda Morris. “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.”
If enacted into law, this proposal would allow rideshare drivers to unionize through an enforceable process that includes provisions such as certifying union representatives; creating sectoral bargaining frameworks; allowing voluntary dues; protecting against discrimination or retaliation related to organizing; preventing company-controlled unions; setting representation fees; providing education opportunities; and ensuring driver participation within their union.
Before holding their Springfield press conference, alliance members met directly with legislators during coordinated lobbying efforts at the Capitol. Lenny Sanchez—a rideshare driver involved in organizing—said: “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 workers remain an important part of public transit infrastructure in Illinois but face ongoing challenges related to earnings stability and dispute resolution with platform companies.
