Seattle will allow Uber, Lyft drivers to unionize

The implications of this bill not only set a precedent for other cities in the United States, but they can also affect the current status of drivers who are only classified as contractors. Seattle would be the first city in the country to create a system where these drivers have the rights typically afforded to unions. Under the ordinance, nonprofit groups will be formed as the bargaining representatives for drivers, provided a majority of drivers want representation. “I believe there should be some solutions”.

It also applies to traditional taxi drivers and to other drivers-for-hire.

The new ordinance would require companies to give the city a list of its local drivers.

Council Member Kshama Sawant compared the “so-called sharing economy” to the practice of sharecropping and added: “We do have power because without people to drive, Uber could not make a penny in profits”.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray (D) said that he would not sign the bill, instead opting to allow it to pass into law without his approval, because concerns he has with the legislation have not been resolved.

Supporters erupted into cheers after councilmembers voted 8-0 in favor of the legislation, which the city expects to be challenged in court. The council ignored it, and voted Monday to unanimously approve the bill.

As a result, Councilmember Mike O’Brien noted that many taxi drivers earn below minimum wage, and they have a hard time making their voices heard when lodging complaints with their companies. It would give independent drivers the same rights employees have under the National Labor Relations Act, such as the ability to organize and bargain collectively. “Drivers say that with flexible and independent work with Uber, 50% of them drive fewer than 10 hours a week, 70% have full-time or part-time work outside of Uber and 65% choose to vary the hours they drive 25% week-to-week”. “David Plouffe, a former political strategist for President Obama now serving as Uber’s chief adviser, visited Seattle earlier this month to promote the company and criticize the ordinance”.

Meanwhile, Uber has begun testing UberHop, a service through which multiple Uber riders going along the same route are paired with the same driver and meet/are dropped off at pre-determined locations, in Seattle.

“Essentially these companies are enjoying the sort of control most companies have over employees”, said Kevin Knutsen, with Washington Community Action Network, during Monday’s public comment period ahead of the vote.