Buffy Wicks, California State Assemblymember for the East Bay, said in a public announcement that new legislation represents a significant victory for Californians by granting over 800,000 rideshare drivers the right to organize, negotiate fair wages, and improve working conditions.
"Huge win for Californians, whether they are behind the wheel or riding in the backseat," said Wicks. "Now, 800K drivers have a seat at the table to fight for fair wages & better working conditions."
The statement on August 29 follows an announcement by California legislative leaders and Governor Gavin Newsom supporting Assembly Bill 1340. This bill would allow rideshare drivers in the state to unionize. According to a press release from Speaker Robert Rivas, the bill aims to provide drivers with collective bargaining rights concerning wages and working conditions. It signifies a substantial shift in handling labor rights within the gig economy, particularly for drivers of platforms like Uber and Lyft.
A study conducted in 2023 by the UC Berkeley Labor Center found that rideshare drivers in California earn a median wage of only $6.20 per hour after expenses, which is significantly below the state's minimum wage. These low earnings are primarily attributed to vehicle costs, lack of paid time off, and unpaid waiting time between rides. The study underscores the necessity for worker protections and rights to bargain collectively.
According to data from the California Legislative Analyst’s Office and industry sources, there are over 800,000 active gig workers in the state's rideshare and delivery sectors. Many of these workers operate full-time without access to benefits such as healthcare, sick leave, or retirement contributions. The proposed legislation would establish a legal framework for these workers to organize and collectively bargain for such protections.
Wicks has represented the East Bay in the California State Assembly since 2018. As a longtime advocate for labor and social equity issues, she is the lead author of AB 1340, which focuses on expanding collective bargaining rights for app-based drivers.