Bill authors Buffy Wicks and Marc Berman, along with more than 800,000 ride-hailing drivers, celebrated Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 1340 into law on Friday.

“This law is about dignity and fairness for the people who keep California moving,” said Assemblymember Wicks (D-Oakland) in a statement. “For too long, drivers have worked long hours with no voice in the decisions that 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.”

Said Assemblymember 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.” 

The legislation represented compromise by labor unions and by tech companies in a years-long labor battle. In fact, the companies didn’t fight the bill.

California Follows Massachusetts

California joins Massachusetts as the second state where Uber and Lyft drivers can unionize as independent contractors.

Newsom was at an unrelated news conference at UC Berkeley when he announced that he signed the bill.

The legislation, Newsom said, will provide drivers with “dignity and a say about their future.

“Donald Trump is holding the government hostage and stripping away worker protections,” Newsom said. “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.”

Joe Augusto is a full-time rideshare driver in San Francisco.

“This is about fairness,” Augusto said. “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.”