Rideshare drivers in Illinois, supported by the Illinois Drivers Alliance—a coalition backed by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1—have announced new legislation aimed at allowing drivers to unionize 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 during a press conference in Chicago, where rideshare drivers described issues such as reduced pay, sudden deactivations from platforms, and unsafe working conditions. These concerns were presented as reasons why collective bargaining rights are needed within an industry that plays a significant role in Illinois’ transportation network.
“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.”
After the event in Chicago, efforts continued with another gathering in Springfield. Hundreds of alliance members assembled at the State Capitol to advocate for swift passage of the proposed law.
“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.”
Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Yolonda Morris are sponsoring the bill known as the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act. Rep. Morris joined other supporters in Springfield to urge lawmakers to act quickly on behalf of over 100,000 rideshare drivers statewide.
“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, this legislation would allow rideshare drivers to form unions through an enforceable process that includes sectoral bargaining options with voluntary dues payments. It also seeks protections against discrimination or retaliation related to organizing activities; prohibits company-controlled unions; establishes representation fees; offers education opportunities; and ensures all eligible workers can participate fully.
Prior to their Springfield press conference, coalition members met directly with legislators during an organized lobby day at the Capitol building. They advocated for improved wages, stronger safety standards, job security measures, and due process procedures.
“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.”
Despite providing essential services throughout Illinois—including transporting residents across cities—rideshare workers continue facing unstable earnings along with limited recourse when disputes arise with app-based companies.
