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Massachusetts Certifies First Uber/Lyft Driver Union

5/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations certified the App Drivers Union on Friday, creating the nation’s first recognized Uber/Lyft driver union.
Certification followed support from 32% of active drivers, exceeding the 25% threshold and covering nearly 70,000 rideshare drivers.
Uber and Lyft said they will negotiate in good faith with the union, which is pursuing higher wages, fuel and waiting-time compensation, and contract protections.

History

Historical Context

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Wagner Act on July 5 1935, creating the National Labor Relations Board to protect private-sector workers’ right to organize. The law spurred union growth from about 3 million members in 1933 to 8 million by the late 1930s. Today, Massachusetts’ certification of the App Drivers Union for roughly 70,000 gig-workers echoes that original intent.

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Story summary

The Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations certified the App Drivers Union on Friday, creating the nation’s first recognized Uber/Lyft driver union.
Certification followed support from 32% of active drivers, exceeding the 25% threshold and covering nearly 70,000 rideshare drivers.
Uber and Lyft said they will negotiate in good faith with the union, which is pursuing higher wages, fuel and waiting-time compensation, and contract protections.

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