Gov Newsom Signature on AB 1340 (Wicks, Berman) Comes After Workers’ Decade-Long Fight

AB1340 (Wicks, Berman), the largest expansion of collective bargaining rights since the National Labor Relations Act, signed into law

In a historic step in empowering workers in the gig economy, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed legislation that creates a path for a union and collective bargaining rights for over 800,000 rideshare drivers working for companies like Uber and Lyft. The bill, passed by the California legislature and authored by Asm. Buffy Wicks and Asm. Berman, empowers drivers to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions for the first time in the state’s history.

“Donald Trump is holding the government hostage and stripping away worker protections. In California, we’re doing the opposite: proving government can deliver — giving drivers the power to unionize while we continue our work to lower costs for families. That’s the difference between chaos and competence,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom.

“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.”

“Drivers have had no way to fight back against the gig companies taking more and more of the passenger fare, or to challenge unfair deactivations that cost us our livelihoods,” said Ana Barragan, a gig driver from Los Angeles. “We’ve worked long hours, faced disrespect, and had no voice, just silence on the other end of the app. But now, with the right to organize a strong, democratic union, I feel hope. We finally can bargain for fair wages, respect, and a better future.”

“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 not had a meaningful seat at the table in helping to 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.”