What happened
Tens of thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers in California are joining forces to form a union. The state has the nation's highest gas prices, which has significantly increased the cost of driving for these gig workers. One driver, Margarita Peñalosa, reported that she now needs to work 12-hour days to cover her living expenses, compared to 8 hours when she started driving in 2017.
The rising costs have led to a surge in unionization efforts among ride-share drivers. Peñalosa and other drivers are seeking better working conditions and compensation to offset the increased expenses. The unionization effort is a notable development in the gig economy, where workers have traditionally been classified as independent contractors rather than employees.
