Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4253

Introduced

2/1/24

Refer

2/1/24

Report DNP

5/2/24

Caption

Giving transportation network drivers the option to form a union and bargain collectively

Impact

The bill establishes a new chapter (Chapter 150F) in the General Laws, which would authorize the formation of 'Driver Organizations' for TNDs. These organizations can bargain collectively for better terms of employment, which would be supervised by the state to ensure compliance. TNCs will be required to bargain with these organizations regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions, creating a more structured approach to labor relations in the rideshare industry. This initiative represents a significant shift in labor rights, particularly for gig economy workers who have traditionally been classified as independent contractors without the same rights as employees.

Summary

House Bill 4253 proposes the establishment of a legal framework for Transportation Network Drivers (TNDs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, enabling them to form unions and engage in collective bargaining with Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). This bill aims to address the challenges faced by drivers in the gig economy, including concerns over low pay and poor working conditions. By allowing TNDs to negotiate on their behalf, the bill seeks to improve their earnings, benefits, and overall working conditions.

Contention

Debates around this bill may arise from both TNCs and labor advocates. Supporters argue that the law will empower drivers and ensure fair compensation and working conditions, addressing the historical imbalance of power in the gig economy. Detractors may be concerned about the potential costs to TNCs, fearing that such regulations could lead to increased fares for consumers or reduced availability of rideshare services. Moreover, there may be debates regarding the fairness of requiring companies to negotiate with unions while balancing the interest of the drivers in achieving fair wages and protections.

Latest H4253 Activity

Companion Bills

MA H4608

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 PURPOSES OF THE GENERAL AND SPECIAL LAWS (see House, No. 4256)

MA H4605

Replaced by 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)

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Site Information & Links

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