Seattle has passed a
measure allowing drivers of smartphone-based taxi companies like Uber and Lyft
to unionize over pay and other working conditions, the first move of its kind
in the United States.
The Pacific Northwest
city's council unanimously backed the bill. Mayor Ed Murray was quick to say he
would not sign the measure, which can become law without his support.
The firms have fought
such measures, arguing they offer more flexibility and pay than traditional
companies to their drivers, who they consider independent contractors.
"This legislation
is a huge victory for all the underpaid workers seeking to rebuild the labor
movement and fight for a decent life," said Council member Kshama Sawant.
"Massive
corporations such as Uber, Lyft, FedEx and others exploit loopholes around
independent contractors to try and prevent workers from unionizing."
Under the ordinance, a
majority of drivers paid to give rides will be given the option to join a
union, and penalties will be applied for companies that fail to comply.
The measure applies to
all such drivers, whether they are paid by a taxi company, a for-hire company
or a so-called transportation network company like Uber that uses an
online-enabled platform to connect drivers and passengers.
"I remain
concerned that this ordinance, as passed by the Council, includes several
flaws, especially related to the relatively unknown costs of administering the
collective bargaining process and the burden of significant rulemaking the
Council has placed on City staff," said Murray.
"Since my concerns
were not adequately addressed in this legislation, I will not sign this bill.
Under the City Charter, the ordinance will become law without my
signature."
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