Beacon Hill Roll Call
Volume 49 – Report No. 42
October 14-18, 2024
Copyright © 2024 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved.
THE HOUSE AND SENATE. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call looks at Question 3, one of the five questions on the ballot that will be decided directly by the voters in November.
During the week of October 14-18, the House met for a total of one hour and 32 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 29 minutes.
The question asks voters if they approve of a proposed law that would allow drivers for Lyft and Uber, and any other companies that use a digital network to connect riders to drivers for pre-arranged transportation, to collectively bargain to create negotiated recommendations concerning wages, benefits and terms and conditions of work. Drivers would not be required to engage in any union activities.
Companies would be allowed to form multi-company associations to represent them when negotiating with the union. The state would supervise the labor activities permitted by the proposed law and would have responsibility for approving or disapproving the negotiated recommendations.
OFFICIAL ARGUMENTS: Here are the official arguments, gathered by the secretary of state, for each side of the question.
IN FAVOR: Written by Roxana Rivera, United for Justice, www.DriversNeedUnion.org
“A ‘Yes’ vote will give Massachusetts rideshare drivers, who work for companies like Uber and Lyft, the option to join a union while also maintaining driver flexibility and independence. The option to join a union is guaranteed for most workers but rideshare drivers currently don’t have that choice. Vote ‘Yes’ to allow rideshare drivers the option to choose a union.”
AGAINST: Written by Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, www.massfiscal.org
“Drivers and riders urge ‘No’ on Question 3 which would raise the prices for all riders, funding union pockets, not drivers’ pockets. This law gives politicians the right to set rules with no accountability and creates a new radical labor category that is inconsistent with federal labor law.
Drivers in Massachusetts already receive base [pay] of $32.50 per hour with yearly increases; paid sick leave; paid family medical leave; healthcare stipend; on-the-job injury insurance; anti-discrimination protections; domestic violence leave; anti-retaliation protections; and an appeals process.
Question 3 does not really create bargaining for workers. Drivers will have no control over leadership of the union and will pay significant dues without real representation. This proposal is not fair to drivers and allows just 2.5 percent of drivers to force unionization and leaves many drivers without a voice.”
For more information and details on each bill, roll call attendance, and other relevant information, please visit the Wakefield Daily Item at www.localheadlinenews.com.
