Rideshare drivers in Illinois, together with lawmakers and union representatives, have introduced new legislation aimed at allowing rideshare drivers to form unions and bargain collectively. The initiative comes from the Illinois Drivers Alliance, a coalition supported by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1.
During a press conference in Chicago, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli said, “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 press conference marked the beginning of a two-day campaign advocating for driver rights. SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup stated, “It’s Legislation that finally creates a real pathway for drivers to form a union and have a real voice.” The campaign continued with events in Springfield.
IAM Union Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez emphasized the significance of the bill: “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 Illinois State Capitol urging legislators to pass measures enabling unionization. State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Yolonda Morris are sponsoring the proposed law—known as the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act—which aims to give over 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois collective bargaining rights.
“More than 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois keep our state moving, yet they don’t have the basic right to organize,” said State Representative 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, this legislation would establish processes for forming unions among rideshare drivers statewide. It includes measures such as creating frameworks for industry-wide bargaining with voluntary dues; protecting workers from retaliation or discrimination; banning company-dominated unions; setting up representation fees; and ensuring opportunities for driver participation within unions.
Before gathering in Springfield for their press conference, many alliance members met directly with lawmakers during an organized lobby day to advocate for improved wages and workplace protections. Lenny Sanchez—a local driver involved in organizing efforts—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.”
Despite serving millions across Illinois each year as part of an essential transportation network generating billions in revenue annually, rideshare drivers report ongoing challenges such as declining income levels and unpredictable work conditions without effective means of resolving disputes.
