MA
Massachusetts House Bill H1099

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1099

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Establishing a transportation network driver bill of rights

Impact

The passage of HB 1099 is set to substantially affect existing state labor laws, particularly those pertaining to minimum wage and worker protections. It mandates that TNCs must pay drivers a fair wage, explicitly stating that any wage below $15 per hour is considered oppressive and unreasonable. Furthermore, the bill prohibits TNCs from retaliating against drivers who participate in collective efforts or raising concerns regarding working conditions. These provisions signify a robust legal recognition of the rights of gig economy workers, which could prompt a shift in policy across similar sectors.

Summary

House Bill 1099 aims to establish a bill of rights for transportation network drivers in Massachusetts. This legislation recognizes the significant changes technology has brought to the labor market, particularly in the digital transportation sector. The bill seeks to create a legal framework that allows drivers to unite and negotiate collectively with transportation network companies (TNCs) to improve their working conditions, including wage standards and safety regulations. Specifically, it establishes Chapter 150F in the General Laws, which empowers drivers to form organizations for industry-wide negotiations.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support aimed at improving the livelihoods of transportation network drivers, it has also stirred discussion among stakeholders. Opponents argue that the increased regulations could lead to higher costs for consumers and reduced service availability. Additionally, there are concerns from TNCs regarding how collective bargaining could impact operational flexibility. The debate centers around the balance between ensuring fair driver compensation and the economic viability of the services provided by these companies. As the gig economy grows, this bill may serve as a template for future legislation addressing labor rights in this expanding sector.

Latest H1099 Activity

Companion Bills

MA H4609

Similar To REPORT of the SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE on INITIATIVE PETITIONS on the INITIATIVE PETITION of CHARLES DEWEY ELLISON, III AND OTHERS FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT ESTABLISHING THAT APP-BASED DRIVERS ARE NOT EMPLOYEES, AND NETWORK COMPANIES ARE NOT EMPLOYERS, FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES OF THE GENERAL LAWS (see House, No. 4257)

MA H4610

Similar To REPORT of the SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE on INITIATIVE PETITIONS on the INITIATIVE PETITION of CHARLES DEWEY ELLISON, III AND OTHERS FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT DEFINING AND REGULATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NETWORK COMPANIES AND APP-BASED DRIVERS FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES OF THE GENERAL LAWS (see House, No. 4258)

MA H4612

Similar To REPORT of the SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE on INITIATIVE PETITIONS on the INITIATIVE PETITION of CHARLES DEWEY ELLISON, III AND OTHERS FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT ESTABLISHING THAT APP-BASED DRIVERS ARE NOT EMPLOYEES, AND NETWORK COMPANIES ARE NOT EMPLOYERS, FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES OF THE GENERAL LAWS (see House, No. 4260)

MA H4611

Similar To REPORT of the SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE on INITIATIVE PETITIONS on the INITIATIVE PETITION of CHARLES DEWEY ELLISON, III AND OTHERS FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT ESTABLISHING THAT APP-BASED DRIVERS ARE NOT EMPLOYEES, AND NETWORK COMPANIES ARE NOT EMPLOYERS, FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES OF THE GENERAL LAWS (see House, No. 4259)

MA H4605

Similar To REPORT of the SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE on INITIATIVE PETITIONS on the INITIATIVE PETITION of ROXANA LORENA RIVERA AND OTHERS FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT GIVING TRANSPORTATION NETWORK DRIVERS THE OPTION TO FORM A UNION AND BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY (see House, No. 4253)

MA H5047

Replaced by Study Order

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