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00:03Rideshare drivers in Massachusetts have unionized,
00:06forming what state officials and labor leaders say
00:08is the first officially recognized organization in the U.S.
00:12to represent gig workers, according to Reuters.
00:15The newly formed App Drivers Union received certification
00:19from the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations
00:22to represent nearly 70,000 rideshare drivers
00:25operating as independent contractors in the state.
00:29The certification followed a November 2024 ballot measure
00:32that created a framework allowing drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft
00:36to organize and bargain collectively over pay and benefits.
00:40Uber and Lyft drivers are excluded from federal organizing rights
00:43under the National Labor Relations Act.
00:46Under state law, drivers are qualified to form a union
00:49by collecting signatures from at least 25% of active Massachusetts drivers.
00:54The union is backed by 32 BJSEIU
00:59and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
01:03Lyft said it was committed to engaging in good faith
01:06as the process moves forward.
01:09Uber did not respond to a request for comment.
01:11For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.
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