Hampden County Mayors endorse app-based driver ballot question

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Uber and Lyft drivers across Massachusetts are one step closer towards potentially winning union rights as the SJC issued its ruling that drivers’ right to unionize could be put to voters on the ballot this November.

The Hampden County Mayors endorsed the ballot question Thursday morning which would secure flexibility for drivers. A study last year found that rideshare and delivery drivers generated over $142 million in revenue in Hampden County

West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt says the benefit for the local economy is a big reason for their support, “The ability to turn the app on and turn the app off can supplement whatever job they have or whatever work their doing or if it’s their only work, they can work when they want to so they’re making money and putting it back into the local economy.”

The Fiscal Alliance Foundation issued a statement Thursday saying this could have far-reaching consequences on labor law, stating ” we respectfully disagree with the SJC’s ruling.”

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