International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
01/27/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/27/2026 09:48
IAM Union’s Illinois Drivers Alliance Coalition Launches Statewide Push for Rideshare Driver Union Rights
Rideshare drivers and lawmakers from the Illinois Drivers Alliance, a coalition of thousands of rideshare drivers across the state, powered by the IAM Union and SEIU Local 1, recently announced landmark legislation that would create a legal pathway for Illinois rideshare drivers to unionize and bargain collectively.
"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 came during a press conference in Chicago, marking a historic moment for rideshare drivers across the state. Drivers spoke powerfully about declining pay, sudden deactivations, and unsafe working conditions, underscoring the urgent need for collective bargaining rights in an industry that has grown into a critical part of Illinois' transportation infrastructure.
"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."
The Chicago announcement launched a broader statewide effort that continued the next day 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 rideshare drivers with the Illinois Drivers Alliance gathered at the Illinois State Capitol to call on lawmakers to swiftly pass legislation creating a legal pathway for rideshare drivers to form a union.
WATCH: Illinois Rideshare Alliance Springfield Press Conference
Together, the two-day action underscored the growing statewide momentum for statewide rideshare driver union rights, signaling growing support among drivers and Illinois lawmakers. Illinois State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Yolonda Morris sponsor the Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act. Rep. Morris joined drivers and coalition partners in Springfield to urge lawmakers to move quickly and highlighted why collective bargaining rights are urgently needed.
"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."
- Under the proposed legislation, rideshare drivers would have the right to form a union and collectively bargain through a clear, enforceable process. Key provisions include:
- Establishing a process to form and certify a union representative
- Creating a framework for industry-wide, or sectoral, bargaining, with voluntary union dues
- Protecting drivers from discrimination or retaliation for organizing
- Preventing company-dominated "company unions"
- Creating representation and education fees
- Ensuring guaranteed opportunities for drivers to contribute to their union
Before the Springfield press conference, drivers from across Illinois fanned out across the Capitol for a coordinated lobby day, meeting directly with legislators to demand fair pay, safety standards, job protections, and due process on the job. "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 drivers are a vital part of Illinois' transportation system, connecting millions of residents, workers, students, and visitors each year. Despite powering a multibillion-dollar industry, drivers continue to face shrinking earnings, unpredictable working conditions, and no meaningful way to resolve disputes with app-based companies.
Social Roundup:
Springfield X Post, Cicinelli Quote
Springfield X Post, Balentine and Cicinelli Photo
Chicago Press Conference FB post
Press Highlights:
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers published this content on January 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 27, 2026 at 15:48 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]