Rideshare drivers in Illinois, supported by the Illinois Drivers Alliance—a coalition that includes the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1—have launched a statewide campaign to secure union rights. The initiative centers on new legislation that would create a legal framework for rideshare drivers to organize and bargain collectively.
At a press conference in Chicago, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli stated, “This legislation protects drivers and guarantees their right to have a voice. 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 event marked the beginning of a two-day effort that continued in Springfield, where drivers highlighted issues such as declining pay, sudden deactivations from platforms, and unsafe working conditions. SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup said, “The Chicago press conference launched a two-day statewide push for rideshare driver rights. It’s Legislation that finally creates a real pathway for drivers to form a union and have a real voice.”
IAM Union Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez added, “This legislation is about fairness, dignity, and respect for the people who keep Illinois moving every single day. 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 members from the Illinois Drivers Alliance gathered at the State Capitol to advocate for swift passage of the proposed law. State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Yolonda Morris are sponsoring the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act.
Rep. Morris joined coalition partners in Springfield, stating: “More than 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois keep our state moving, yet they don’t have the basic right to organize. 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, this legislation would allow rideshare drivers to form unions through an enforceable process; establish industry-wide bargaining with voluntary dues; protect against discrimination or retaliation related to organizing; prevent company-controlled unions; create representation fees; and ensure opportunities for driver participation.
Before convening at the Capitol press conference in Springfield, alliance members met with legislators during an organized lobby day seeking support on issues including pay standards and job protections.
Lenny Sanchez, an organizing leader among Illinois rideshare drivers said: “Drivers are done being ignored. 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 services play an important role in connecting people throughout Illinois but many workers report facing reduced earnings along with limited recourse when disputes arise with app-based companies.
