Unionization Rights Granted to Uber, Lyft, and Delivery Drivers in California

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a significant shift for the gig economy in California, a new law passed in late 2025 has granted unionization rights to around 800,000 rideshare and delivery drivers. The law, known as AB 1340, allows drivers to vote to form a union as early as May 2026, despite the ongoing debate over their classification as independent contractors versus employees.

Why it matters

The passage of AB 1340 represents a major development in the long-running battle over worker rights and classification in the gig economy. While Proposition 22 maintained the independent contractor status of app-based drivers, the new unionization rights give them a path to collectively bargain for improved pay, benefits, and working conditions.

The details

AB 1340 was signed into law in California in late 2025, granting union organizing rights to rideshare and delivery drivers. This comes after the passage of Proposition 22 in 2020, which had carved out a special exception allowing gig workers to remain classified as independent contractors. However, the new law now gives these workers the ability to vote to form a union, with the earliest possible vote happening in May 2026. The Service Employees International Union has already begun outreach efforts to drivers at airports and on social media.

• AB 1340 was signed into law in late 2025.
• Union votes for rideshare and delivery drivers in California could happen as early as May 2026.

What’s next

The union process for rideshare and delivery drivers in California will not be finished overnight. Drivers will need to hold votes and negotiate contracts, a process that could take time. However, the new law represents a major milestone in their efforts to gain more power and influence over their working conditions.