rideshare

A new incentive program from the state of Massachusetts aims to connect more taxi and rideshare drivers to electric vehicles.

Massachusetts drivers for app-based services like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash are pushing to unionize, and they are calling on state lawmakers to pass legislation that would allow the drivers to form or join unions.

On Wednesday, Aug. 17, a group of rideshare and delivery drivers drove a “protest caravan” from Allston to the Massachusetts State House to demand union rights and higher wages.

Advocates opposed to the push by tech companies like Uber and Lyft to continue classifying drivers as independent contractors came together last week to celebrate the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision to throw out a ballot measure that would allow voters to decide on the issue.

Labor activists, elected officials and drivers for ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft joined together on the steps of the State House last Wednesday in vocal opposition to legislation introduced earlier this year that would change the employment structure of app-based drivers. The action was immediately followed by a virtual hearing on the matter.