Massachusetts became the first state in the U.S. to recognize a rideshare driver union when it certified the App Drivers Union. This landmark decision followed the passage of a 2024 ballot measure that allowed rideshare drivers to unionize while remaining independent contractors. The App Drivers Union was formed with support from nearly 70,000 drivers in the state, making it the largest group of private-sector workers to receive union certification since Ford workers joined the United Auto Workers in 1941. The state’s Department of Labor Relations confirmed that the union received support from 32% of active rideshare drivers, surpassing the 25% requirement for certification. A celebration event was held with state officials, including Governor Maura Healey, who highlighted the significance of this development in providing better pay and working conditions for drivers. The union is affiliated with major labor organizations such as the Service Employees International Union and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The recognition of the App Drivers Union could serve as a model for similar efforts in other states, including California and Illinois, where labor organizers are focusing on app-based industries amid the growing presence of self-driving technology. With collective bargaining rights, drivers hope to improve their wages and protections against sudden app deactivation. The victory for the union indicates a shift in the landscape for app-based workers as they aim for better representation and working conditions in the face of increasing automation. Both Uber and Lyft expressed their intent to engage with the bargaining process in good faith while navigating new regulations that enhance driver oversight and safety standards.