Oh, great! A union has infected Uber drivers.
For the first time since its founding, a union will represent Uber drivers in New York City.
Uber announced Tuesday that it will recognize the brand new organization called the Independent Drivers Guild. Affiliated with the Machinists union, 35,000 drivers in New York City will be represented by union officials.
The union costs will be paid by Uber, but drivers can join for free.
There are other limits to the union representation: the Guild will not have the ability to collective bargain for drivers, drivers will not formally unionize and the Machinists union won’t try to recognize drivers as employees by the National Labor Relations Board. Also, drivers will not be eligible for health insurance, sick days or other company benefits.
Just why is the union there anyway? Reportedly, the Guild will help drivers appeal if they’ve been dropped by the ride sharing service. The Guild will also represent driver demands when they meet with Uber executives.
Indeed, it may seem harmless right now, but it’s just the beginning.
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