Rideshare drivers in Illinois, supported by the Illinois Drivers Alliance—a coalition led by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and SEIU Local 1—have announced new legislation aimed at granting union rights to rideshare drivers across the state.
At a recent press conference in Chicago, lawmakers and driver representatives discussed the proposed bill, which would allow drivers to organize and bargain collectively. IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli said, “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 campaign that continued in Springfield, where hundreds of drivers gathered at the State Capitol. Genie Kastrup, president of SEIU Local 1, stated, “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.”
Ronnie Gonzalez, IAM Union Midwest Territory Special Representative, commented on the broader significance: “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.”
Illinois State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Yolonda Morris are sponsoring the proposed Illinois Transportation Network Driver Labor Relations Act. Rep. Morris joined coalition members in Springfield to advocate for swift legislative action: “More than 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois keep our state moving, yet they don’t have the basic right to organize,” she said. “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 passed, the bill would set up procedures allowing rideshare drivers to form unions through an enforceable process. It also outlines sectoral bargaining with voluntary dues collection while safeguarding workers from discrimination or retaliation linked to organizing efforts. Additional measures include preventing company-controlled unions and establishing education fees as well as opportunities for driver participation within their unions.
Prior to the Springfield press conference, alliance members held meetings with legislators throughout the Capitol complex as part of an organized lobby day focused on issues such as fair compensation standards and due process protections at work. Lenny Sanchez—a driver involved in organizing efforts—remarked: “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 workers play an important role within Illinois’ transportation system by serving residents statewide; however many face unpredictable working conditions without collective bargaining mechanisms or stable dispute resolution processes.
