Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has thrown her support behind a measure that would allow on-demand transportation drivers to unionize. This endorsement comes days after a settlement was reached with Uber and Lyft that requires the companies to increase driver pay and benefits. Campbell described the unionization effort as a necessary addition to the terms already secured in the settlement.
The agreement mandates that Uber and Lyft pay drivers a minimum of $32.50 per hour and provide benefits such as paid sick leave, occupational accident insurance, and access to health benefits. The companies will also pay $175 million, with most going towards restitution for drivers. This settlement comes after Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart dropped their campaign for a ballot proposal that would define drivers as independent contractors, instead of employees.
The unionization measure is now the only app-based driver question that will be decided by voters this fall. Organizers are working to secure a spot on the November 5 ballot by submitting the final batch of signatures. Campbell’s support for this effort shows a commitment to ensuring that drivers have the ability to collectively bargain for improved pay and benefits. This development marks a significant step towards empowering on-demand transportation drivers in Massachusetts.
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