AB 1340 Creates a Pathway to Unionization for More than 800,000 Rideshare Drivers Across California
SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today signed AB 1340 (Wicks, Berman) into law, marking a historic milestone for California’s gig economy and the hundreds of thousands of drivers who power it.
AB 1340 creates the largest organizing opportunity in a generation by enabling California’s more than 800,000 rideshare drivers to choose a union and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The law establishes a clear legal framework for union certification, bargaining processes, and enforcement — ensuring drivers have a real voice in shaping the future of an industry that millions of Californians rely on every day.
“This law is about dignity and fairness for the people who keep California moving,” said Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). “For too long, drivers have worked long hours with no voice in the decisions that shape their livelihoods. AB 1340 gives them the power to stand together, bargain for better pay and protections, and help build a future where the gig economy works for the people behind the wheel.”
“Today marks a historic leap forward for fairness and dignity on the job for hundreds of thousands of California workers who, thanks to Governor Newsom signing AB 1340, will now have the opportunity to join a union,” said Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). "Rideshare drivers are the backbone of the gig economy, and for too long they have been denied the same rights and protections others take for granted. This new law changes that - they will now have the opportunity to sit at the bargaining table with TNCs to negotiate for better pay, safer working conditions, and a voice in the future of their work. This will help raise standards for everyone, because what happens in the gig economy sets the tone for the whole economy."
Labor leaders celebrated the signing as a turning point for workers’ rights.
“Trump is gutting workers’ fundamental right to come together and demand fair pay and treatment,” said Tia Orr, Executive Director of SEIU California. “But here in California, we are sending a different message: when workers are empowered and valued, everyone wins. Shared prosperity starts with unions for all workers.”
“This is about fairness,” said Joe Augusto, a full-time rideshare driver in San Francisco. “We spend 10 to 12 hours a day on the road, yet we’re not held to the same standards—or afforded the same protections—as other workers. For years, drivers haven’t had a voice in setting fair pay or protections. This bill finally gives us the opportunity to form our union and be treated fairly.”
With AB 1340 now law, California now leads the nation in creating a pathway for gig workers to organize and collectively bargain, ensuring the rideshare industry’s future is built on a foundation of fairness, equity, and shared prosperity.
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Contact: BermanPress@asm.ca.gov