Uber and Lyft drivers across California are one step closer to gaining statewide union representation after organizers announced they reached the support threshold required to move the certification process forward.

The effort centers on the newly formed California Gig Workers Union (CGWU), which says it has secured enough support from active rideshare drivers to qualify for certification under a state law that created a collective bargaining process for app-based drivers.

Support Threshold Reached Under California Law

The California Public Employment Relations Board notified the California Gig Workers Union on Aug. 7 that it had met the required threshold of support from at least 30% of active rideshare drivers, according to the union. That milestone begins a 30-day waiting period before the union can be certified as the exclusive bargaining representative for eligible Uber and Lyft drivers statewide, provided no competing organization qualifies to challenge the certification.

California has more than 800,000 registered rideshare drivers, although labor organizations estimate roughly 350,000 actively drive on the platforms.

New Law Opens the Door to Collective Bargaining

Assembly Bill 1340 established a collective bargaining framework for app-based rideshare drivers in California. Because Uber and Lyft drivers are generally classified as independent contractors rather than employees, they have not traditionally had access to the same collective bargaining rights available to unionized employees. The law created a process allowing eligible rideshare drivers to choose a statewide bargaining representative while maintaining their independent contractor status.

The California Gig Workers Union said drivers spent months collecting authorization cards through in-person outreach, social media, text messages and email campaigns conducted in multiple languages.

Driver Priorities Could Include Pay, Benefits and Deactivations

If the union is certified, it would represent drivers in negotiations with Uber and Lyft over issues affecting app-based work.

Organizers have identified several priorities, including driver pay, benefits, deactivation policies and working conditions.

Fresno rideshare driver Vikaas Shanker said certification would allow drivers to negotiate directly with the companies over issues they believe affect their livelihoods.

Questions About Union Dues Continue

Some drivers have questioned how union membership would work and whether future dues would outweigh any negotiated benefits.

The California Gig Workers Union has said drivers will not pay union dues unless a collective bargaining agreement is negotiated and ratified.

Lyft Says It Will Participate in the Process

Lyft said it intends to engage in the new collective bargaining process while continuing to focus on both drivers and riders.

“As this new process moves forward, we’re committed to engaging in good faith. Lyft does well when drivers do well, and we’ll stay focused on helping drivers succeed while keeping rideshare affordable and dependable for everyone who counts on it.”

Uber had not issued a public statement at the time of publication.

If no competing organization challenges the certification during the waiting period, the California Gig Workers Union is expected to become the exclusive bargaining representative for eligible Uber and Lyft drivers throughout California.

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Last Updated: August 17, 2026

Source: NY Post