In a first-of-its-kind law, the Seattle City Council voted 8-0 to allow drivers for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft to bargain collectively.
"The intent of this legislation is to create an environment where innovation can continue to happen, but not at the expense of the workers," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien, who spearheaded the proposal. "I firmly believe that this legislation is a great step in that direction."
"Uber does not share and does not care," said Councilmember Kshama Sawant. Uber drivers who take out loans to buy cars have become "trapped by debt," she added. "Uber drivers can be 'deactivated,' which is a fancy word for being fired," without cause.
The proposal, which also applies to taxis and other traditional for-hire vehicles, was passed out of committee in October. It has been opposed by both Uber and Lyft, who are expected to sue to try to overturn it. Councilmember Tom Rasmussen urged his colleagues not to be dissuaded by that.
So, get off those lazy butts, and do something to help workers at risk who'd benefit by collective bargaining power in our backyard, eh? It is not as if the Mayor of Minneapolis would be hostile to such a collective bargaining breakthrough here. I have more respect for Hodges than to think she'd not be delighted to help, if only the union top dogs started even a feeble level of barking.