ICYMI: Law signed by Governor Newsom helps pave the way for the world’s largest union of rideshare drivers
What you need to know: The Golden State just became home to the world’s largest union of gig drivers, thanks to historic legislation championed by Governor Gavin Newsom and the Legislature that provides a pathway to unionization for rideshare workers.
SACRAMENTO — California’s landmark labor law, signed into law last year by Governor Gavin Newsom, has empowered California rideshare drivers to reach a major milestone. The California Gig Workers Union has reached the support threshold to represent gig drivers throughout the state, becoming the world’s largest union of rideshare drivers.
At a time when workers’ rights are under attack and families across the country are struggling with affordability because of the Trump administration, California is showing what it means to stand with working people.
Today is a new day for rideshare drivers who have spent a decade fighting for a stronger voice on the job.
Governor Gavin Newsom
The road to union representation
Recently, the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), the state agency overseeing gig drivers, verified that the California Gig Workers Union has reached the support threshold to represent gig drivers throughout the state. Following a 30-day waiting period the California Gig Workers Union can be certified as the collective bargaining representative for Lyft and Uber drivers.
In 2025, Governor Newsom signed AB 1340 (Wicks, Berman), which empowered hundreds of thousands of rideshare drivers in California to have the legally protected choice to unionize and engage in collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions. In an era when Trump is abandoning people, California is standing with unions to protect workers.