Rideshare drivers in Illinois, together with lawmakers and union leaders, have introduced legislation that would allow rideshare drivers to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. The initiative is led by the Illinois Drivers Alliance, a coalition of thousands of rideshare drivers backed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1.
“This legislation protects drivers and guarantees their right to have a voice,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “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 announcement was made at a press conference in Chicago. Drivers shared concerns about declining pay, sudden deactivations from platforms, and unsafe working conditions. They emphasized the need for collective bargaining rights as the rideshare industry becomes increasingly important within Illinois’ transportation system.
“The Chicago press conference launched a two-day statewide push for rideshare driver rights,” said SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup. “It’s Legislation that finally creates a real pathway for drivers to form a union and have a real voice.”
Following the Chicago event, supporters continued their efforts in Springfield.
“This legislation is about fairness, dignity, and respect for the people who keep Illinois moving every single day,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez. “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.”
Hundreds of alliance members gathered at the State Capitol to encourage lawmakers to pass what is called the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act. The act is sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Yolanda Morris.
“More than 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois keep our state moving, yet they don’t have the basic right to organize,” saidIllinoisState Representative and Bill Sponsor Yolanda Morris. “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 into law, this legislation would give rideshare drivers several new rights: establishing an official process for forming unions; allowing sector-wide bargaining; protecting workers from retaliation or discrimination related to organizing; preventing company-controlled unions; creating representation fees; and ensuring opportunities for driver participation within unions.
Before holding their press conference in Springfield, many drivers met with legislators during an organized lobby day at the Capitol building.
“Drivers are done being ignored,” said Lenny Sanchez, an Illinois rideshare driver and organizing leader. “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 work remains central to transportation throughout Illinois—connecting residents across cities while facing challenges such as reduced earnings potential or limited recourse against large app-based companies.
