RantCrush Top 5: August 3, 2017

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik for the Western District of Washington issued a ruling that appears to be a boon to gig economy workers, like Uber and Lyft drivers, who are attempting to unionize. Seattle passed an ordinance in 2015 that would allow those drivers to unionize–it was the first city to do so and remains the only one to date. That city was sued by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, seemingly in support of Uber and Lyft. Lasnik dismissed that lawsuit, saying that the ordinance was well within Seattle’s purview to pass. Uber officials say they plan on appealing the ruling.

Uber, and to a slightly lesser extent Lyft, have been heavily criticized for the way they treat workers. Drivers are classified as “independent contractors” and don’t receive benefits, despite the fact that many work the equivalent of a full-time job. Supporters say that allowing collective bargaining could help them gain those crucial benefits.

uber has run ads during seahawks games and produced podcast episodes to dissuade seattle drivers from unionizing https://t.co/0uX7CljCk2

— noah kulwin (@nkulw) August 3, 2017

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.