Hundreds of thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers across California are nearing certification of the California Gig Workers Union (CGWU), which could become the largest rideshare drivers union globally. The union notified the California Public Employment Relations Board on August 7 that it had secured support from at least 30% of active rideshare drivers, meeting the threshold required by a 2025 law for union representation.
Following a 30-day waiting period, CGWU is expected to be certified as the exclusive bargaining representative for Uber and Lyft drivers statewide. California has more than 800,000 registered drivers, with active workforce estimates around 350,000.
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This development stems from Assembly Bill 1340, which established a collective-bargaining system for app-based rideshare drivers. These drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, lacking traditional bargaining rights. The law's passage followed over a decade of organizing efforts by drivers and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which has backed CGWU.
After AB 1340 took effect, drivers began collecting union authorization cards through various channels, including social media, texts, emails, and in-person outreach, in more than a dozen languages. David Green, president and executive director of SEIU 721, stated in the union's announcement that gig drivers have built "unstoppable momentum" through their courage over the past decade.
Key bargaining issues for the drivers are expected to include pay, benefits, deactivation policies, and working conditions. Vikaas Shanker, a driver from Fresno, expressed enthusiasm about the union's progress, stating, "We’re so happy and proud to have finally won our union, and that we will get Uber and Lyft to the table so we can bargain with the gig companies for what we need: strong pay, adequate benefits, and dignified working conditions."
Margarita Penalosa, an Uber and Lyft driver in Los Angeles who helped organize the effort, highlighted the years of work drivers have put in to gain a stronger voice. She noted, "We overcame fear, hundreds of millions of dollars spent by the gig companies to undermine our rights at the ballot and proved it’s not the gig apps that connects us, it’s our shared demand for fair pay and treatment as gig workers."
The CGWU has stated that drivers will not be charged dues until a collective-bargaining agreement is ratified. However, some rideshare workers in San Diego have expressed concerns about potential union dues and whether the benefits will justify the cost, according to KPBS.
A spokesperson for Lyft commented, "As this new process moves forward, we’re committed to engaging in good faith. Lyft does well when drivers do well, and we’ll stay focused on helping drivers succeed while keeping rideshare affordable and dependable for everyone who counts on it.” Uber did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The certification process is anticipated to conclude within another 30 days, at which point CGWU would officially become the statewide bargaining representative unless a competing organization emerges.