Washington State Passes Landmark Bill Granting Ride-Hail Drivers Paid Family and Medical Leave
A Victory for Worker Rights Nationwide
In a significant milestone for worker rights, the Washington State Senate has unanimously passed a bill (HB 1570) that would make the state the first in the nation to grant ride-hail drivers the right to paid family and medical leave. This victory is a testament to the power of collective action and organizing among gig workers.
Building on Previous Driver Rights
The bill builds on previous driver rights won in 2022’s Expand Fairness Act, which established a high statewide wage floor for drivers and provided protections against unjustified deactivation, worker’s compensation insurance, and paid sick time. This latest win is a demonstration of what drivers can achieve when they organize together to fight for the rights that every worker deserves.
A Blow to Gig Workers in California
Just a month ago, drivers in California suffered a setback when the state upheld Proposition 22, which classified Uber and Lyft drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. A lower court had previously ruled Prop 22 unconstitutional. However, Washington’s ruling could have ripple effects in other states fighting to grant gig workers employment benefits.
A Landmark Victory for Worker Rights
Peter Kuel, president of Drivers Union, an association of ride-hail drivers, hailed the bill as a "landmark victory" for worker rights nationwide. Kuel, who started driving for Uber and Lyft in 2014, emphasized that the bill is a significant step forward for drivers who must no longer choose between caring for unwell loved ones and putting food on the table.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill will grant ride-hail drivers access to the same program as other workers in the state, which offers up to 12 weeks of paid leave if a serious health condition prevents them from working or if they need to take time off to care for a family member or a new child. The cost of a driver’s premiums for the program will be fully paid by the app-based companies, like Uber and Lyft, for which the driver works.
Implementation and Funding
Access to the program is expected to come online for drivers in July 2024. It remains unclear how ride-hail companies intend to fund the program or whether they’ll increase rider fares in Washington to compensate.
Impact on Ride-Hail Drivers
Washington has more than 30,000 Uber and Lyft drivers, most of whom are immigrants and people of color, according to a 2022 study. The report also found that about a third of drivers and their families rely on food stamps in King County, with a quarter living in federal poverty.
Reaction from Ride-Hail Companies
Lyft welcomed the bill as "another historic win for drivers in Washington state" and emphasized that the new benefits and protections are the result of legislators, app-based companies, and labor organizations listening to drivers and working together. Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ripple Effects Across the Country
The passage of HB 1570 could have significant ripple effects across the country as other states consider granting gig workers employment benefits. As Kuel noted, "Today is a landmark in the fight for worker rights nationwide."
A Step Forward for Worker Rights
The Washington State Senate’s unanimous passage of HB 1570 marks a significant step forward for worker rights and sets an important precedent for other states to follow. By granting ride-hail drivers paid family and medical leave, the bill recognizes the value and contributions of gig workers and underscores the importance of protecting their rights.
Timeline
- Washington State Senate passes HB 1570 unanimously.
- Bill will head to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk to be signed into law.
- Access to program expected to come online for drivers in July 2024.