Rideshare drivers in Illinois, supported by the Illinois Drivers Alliance coalition, have launched a campaign to secure union rights through new state legislation. The alliance, which includes thousands of drivers and is backed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1, recently introduced a bill that would create a legal path for rideshare drivers to organize and collectively bargain.
“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, where drivers discussed challenges such as declining pay, sudden deactivations from platforms, and unsafe working conditions. These issues highlighted what they described as an urgent need for collective bargaining in an industry that has become essential to transportation in Illinois.
“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 event in Chicago, the coalition continued its efforts with actions 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 Illinois State Capitol urging lawmakers to pass the proposed law quickly. The measure—sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Yolonda Morris—is known as the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act.
“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 enacted into law, this legislation would allow rideshare drivers to form unions via an enforceable process; establish sectoral bargaining with voluntary dues; protect against retaliation or discrimination during organizing; prevent company-controlled unions; set up representation fees; guarantee opportunities for driver participation within their unions; among other provisions.
Before their Springfield press conference, alliance members met with legislators throughout the Capitol building advocating improved pay rates, stronger safety standards on jobsites, employment protections including due process measures—all priorities reflected within their legislative proposal.
“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 IAMandSEIUhavebeenworkingwithusforyearsandtheyaredefinitelytheanswerforusbecomingunion.”
Supporters argue that although these workers are central to connecting millions across Illinois each year—and contribute significantly to what is now recognized as amultibillion-dollar industry—they continue facing shrinking earnings,persistent instability,and limited options when disputes arise with app-based companies.
