Self-employed Uber and Lyft drivers can unionize, Massachusetts voters say

by time news

In​ Spain, self-employed workers can‍ join associations and organizations that represent their interests,⁣ such as the Union‍ of Professionals and Self-employed Workers ⁢(UPTA) and⁢ the Association of Self-employed Workers (ATA). These associations aim to defend their⁤ rights, improve working conditions and facilitate access to legal and‍ financial resources. However, unionization of ⁣self-employed workers ​has limitations ​compared to salaried workers, as they do not have the same ⁤collective bargaining or⁢ strike rights as traditional employees.

This places them at a serious​ disadvantage compared to their counterparts, the employed workers,‌ and completely defenseless in the face of‍ the State, oppressor of this working class, ‌which⁤ oppresses them without the possibility⁢ of defending themselves, due ‍to ⁣their ⁣actions.

Massachusetts, US, voted to‍ become the first state to do so allow self-employed drivers to join trade unionsWBUR‌ reports: Because these freelancers are classified as independent workers, ‌the federal law giving employees the right to unionize ⁣does‌ not apply to them. With ‍the‍ passage of this bill, Massachusetts⁣ is the first state to grant ride-hailing drivers⁢ the ability to ‍collectively negotiate working conditions.

Supporters said the ballot measure ⁣”could provide a model for other states to allow Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize,” ⁢ informs Reuters“and inspire organizing efforts across​ the United States.” Roxana Rivera, ⁤assistant⁤ to​ the president of 32BJ SEIU, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union,​ which had⁣ campaigned ‍to pass⁢ the proposal, said its passage shows that Massachusetts voters want drivers ‍to ⁢have meaningful control⁣ against the growing⁣ power of app-based ⁣companies… Massachusetts vote was the last front in a years-long ‌battle in the United States over whether rideshare drivers should⁤ be considered independent contractors or employees entitled to benefits and ⁣wage protections. Studies​ have shown that using contractors can‍ cost companies up to 30%​ less than employees.

Uber and Lyft drivers,‌ of whom there ⁤are about ‍70,000 in⁤ Massachusetts, ​do not have⁢ the‍ right to ⁢organize under the National Labor Relations Act… Under the Massachusetts measure, ⁣drivers can ​form a ⁢union after gathering the signatures of at least 25% of active drivers in ​Massachusetts, and⁢ companies can form associations to allow them to negotiate⁤ jointly with the union during state-supervised talks.

But The‌ Boston Globe notes that‌ the measure” supporters ⁣of‍ divided ⁢workers in Massachusetts, some of whom fear ‍it ​would actually be a step backwards in the ‍long fight to ​advance ⁢the rights of independent workers.” These concerns have led the state’s largest​ labor organization, the AFL-CIO, to ⁣remain neutral.⁤ According to the​ SEIU 32BJ initiative⁢ and the⁣ International Association of Machinists, allowing drivers to unionize, even if not as full⁣ employees, will help provide urgently needed protections for ⁢workers and ⁢improved wages and safety standards.

Self-employed Uber and Lyft drivers can unionize, Massachusetts voters say

What are the⁢ key differences in unionization rights between self-employed workers and traditional employees in the gig economy?

Interview Title: Navigating the‍ Gig Economy: Unionization Rights for ⁤Self-Employed Workers

Editor (Time.news): ‍Welcome, everyone, to​ another insightful interview segment with our ⁤featured expert today, Dr. Aurora Fernández, a labor rights advocate and professor specializing in the gig ⁤economy and worker ⁢rights. Dr. Fernández, thank you for joining us.

Dr. ⁤Aurora Fernández: ⁤Thank you for having me!​ I’m excited to discuss these crucial issues regarding ‌self-employed workers and unionization.

Editor: In Spain, self-employed workers can join associations like UPTA and ATA that advocate for their rights. However, they still face significant limitations compared to ​salaried workers. What are the primary challenges‍ self-employed workers encounter in terms of unionization ‍in Spain?

Dr. Fernández: Absolutely.⁣ The primary challenge stems from the fact that self-employed workers lack access to collective bargaining‌ and strike ⁢rights, which fundamentally weakens their ‍negotiating power. The legal framework in ‍Spain doesn’t provide them with the same protections afforded to ⁤traditional employees, leaving many at a severe disadvantage. This lack⁤ of representation ‌can ​lead‌ to ‌exploitative practices,⁣ as self-employed individuals often find themselves defenseless against unfair treatment.

Editor: That’s a concerning situation. On the other side of the Atlantic, Massachusetts recently took a significant​ step by allowing ride-hailing drivers to unionize. How does this⁣ landmark decision‍ change the​ landscape for gig workers in the U.S.?

Dr. ‍Fernández: It’s a monumental shift! ‌Massachusetts has set a precedent ⁢that could inspire similar policies in other states. By allowing ride-hailing drivers to form unions, it provides them with a platform to collectively negotiate their working ‍conditions, which is crucial‍ in an industry often‌ dominated by large app-based companies. This ⁢will potentially lead to better pay, working hours, and⁤ overall treatment of gig workers.

Editor: Supporters of the Massachusetts bill claim it could serve as a model for ‍other states. What impact ⁢do you foresee this having on the self-employed landscape across the U.S.?

Dr. ⁢Fernández: I believe‍ it could ⁣spark a wave of organizing efforts ⁤nationwide. As more states see the​ benefits of allowing gig workers to unionize, there may be a push‍ for⁣ broader changes regarding labor rights for self-employed‌ individuals.‍ An increase ​in collective action‍ could‍ transform ‌the ​gig economy into a more equitable space, pushing policymakers to reconsider the classification of gig workers and the protections‍ that should accompany those roles.

Editor: It seems many self-employed workers feel they⁢ lack control, especially⁤ in the face of ‍increasing corporate power. How‍ can organizations like UPTA and ATA in Spain,​ or unions like​ 32BJ SEIU in the U.S., amplify ‍the voices of self-employed⁢ workers?

Dr. Fernández: Organizations and unions can provide critical support by engaging in advocacy and raising​ awareness of the rights and‌ struggles of self-employed workers. They​ can ‌also offer resources, training, and legal assistance⁤ to empower workers ​to understand their rights and navigate the complexities of their jobs. By uniting self-employed​ individuals, these ​organizations can help amplify their⁢ collective voice,‍ pressuring governments⁣ to enact better legislation and protections.

Editor: With the growing trend towards gig work, what do you think the future holds for‌ self-employed individuals in terms of rights and protections?

Dr. Fernández: If‌ the​ momentum of recent​ legislative changes continues, we could see a future where self-employed individuals enjoy greater rights​ and protections similar to those of salaried workers. There’s ​a growing recognition ‌of the need for fair treatment in the⁤ gig economy, and I‍ am hopeful that with increased advocacy and collective action, we ‍can work towards a more equitable labor ⁤market where all workers—regardless of employment status—have a voice and​ are protected.

Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fernández. It’s ‌been enlightening to hear your perspective on these‌ important issues.⁣ Here’s hoping for ​a more equitable future for all workers.

Dr. ⁤Fernández: Thank‍ you! It’s been a pleasure ⁤to share this ​discussion.

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