Rideshare drivers in Illinois, together with lawmakers and union representatives, have announced new legislation that aims to give rideshare drivers the right to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. The Illinois Drivers Alliance, a coalition supported by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1, is leading this initiative.
At 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 event marked the start of a two-day statewide campaign for driver rights. According to SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup, “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.”
Following the Chicago announcement, efforts continued in Springfield where hundreds of alliance members gathered at the State Capitol urging lawmakers to pass the proposed law.
IAM Union Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez commented on the legislation: “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.”
Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Yolonda Morris are sponsoring the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act. Rep. Morris joined supporters in Springfield stating, “More than 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois keep our state moving, yet they don’t have the basic right to organize. 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 passed, this legislation would establish procedures for forming unions among rideshare drivers and create an enforceable framework for industry-wide bargaining with voluntary dues. It also includes measures against discrimination or retaliation during organizing efforts; prevents company-controlled unions; sets up representation fees; ensures education opportunities; and provides ways for driver involvement within their unions.
Before gathering at the Capitol in Springfield, groups of drivers met with legislators directly as part of an organized lobby day focused on advocating for better pay rates, workplace safety standards, job security measures, and due process protections.
Lenny Sanchez—a rideshare driver from Illinois involved in organizing—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.”
Rideshare services are an essential component of transportation throughout Illinois but many drivers report declining earnings along with unpredictable conditions at work without clear channels to address grievances against app-based companies.
