Rideshare drivers in Illinois, supported by the Illinois Drivers Alliance—a coalition powered by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1—have launched a campaign to secure union rights. The initiative centers on new legislation that would provide a legal framework for rideshare drivers to unionize and engage in collective bargaining.
During a press conference in Chicago, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli stated, “This legislation protects drivers and guarantees their right to have a voice. 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 event marked the beginning of a two-day statewide push, which continued with activities at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. Drivers shared concerns about declining pay, sudden deactivations from platforms, and unsafe working conditions.
SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup said, “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.”
IAM Union Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez added, “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 alliance members gathered at the Capitol to urge lawmakers to pass the proposed law. State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Yolanda Morris are sponsoring the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act.
“More than 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois keep our state moving, yet they don’t have the basic right to organize,” said Representative 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, the legislation would allow rideshare drivers to form unions through an enforceable process. It includes measures such as establishing procedures for union certification; enabling industry-wide bargaining; protecting against discrimination or retaliation; preventing company-controlled unions; setting representation fees; and ensuring opportunities for driver participation within unions.
Before convening in Springfield, drivers met with legislators during an organized lobby day to advocate for better pay, safety standards, job protections, and due process.
Lenny Sanchez, an organizing leader among Illinois rideshare drivers, commented: “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 services play an important role in connecting residents throughout Illinois but many workers face challenges including shrinking earnings and unpredictable work conditions without formal means of dispute resolution.
