Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to establish and regulate collective bargaining rights for transportation network company (TNC) drivers in Minnesota, such as those working for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. It seeks to facilitate the ability of drivers to organize, form, and join labor organizations to negotiate their working conditions and other employment terms through a formalized process.

Main Provisions

• Definitions and Scope: The bill introduces definitions for terms like "active driver," "bargaining representative," and "company union," emphasizing the rights of drivers to self-organize and engage in collective bargaining.
• Driver Rights: Drivers are granted the right to form or join labor organizations, elect representatives, and engage in collective bargaining regarding grievances and employment conditions.
• Rulemaking and Data Sharing: TNCs must submit quarterly data about driver activity to facilitate the labor organization process. The Commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services oversees this data collection.
• Unfair Labor Practices: The bill outlines unfair labor practices prohibiting TNCs from interfering with driver rights or forming company unions. It also lists practices that labor organizations must avoid, such as failing to bargain in good faith.
• Certification of Labor Organizations: It provides a process through which labor organizations can become certified bargaining representatives; if at least 25% of active drivers support a labor organization, it may be certified as the exclusive representative.
• Collective Bargaining Process: Once certified, labor organizations can negotiate with TNCs over compensation, benefits, and working conditions. If negotiations reach an impasse, the bill provides for mediation and requires a potential arbitration process.
• Judicial Review: Establishes the conditions under which decisions and orders under this bill can be reviewed by the judiciary, emphasizing the finality of decisions made by respective commissioners unless challenged through specified channels.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduction of a new statutory chapter specifically for regulating collective bargaining for TNC drivers.
• Establishment of an enforcement mechanism for addressing unfair labor practices and ensuring compliance with the negotiated agreements.
• Introducing a formal process for labor organizations to be recognized and to negotiate on behalf of drivers, a significant change in how driver employment conditions can be collectively managed.

Relevant Terms

• Collective Bargaining
• Labor Organizations
• Transportation Network Company (TNC)
• Exclusive Representative
• Mediation and Arbitration
• Unfair Labor Practices
• Certification and Certification Process