Purpose of the Bill

The Minnesota legislative bill is designed to create and regulate collective bargaining rights for drivers of transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. It aims to establish a structured process by which TNC drivers can negotiate employment terms and conditions through certified labor organizations.

Main Provisions

• Collective Bargaining Rights: The bill provides TNC drivers the right to organize, join, or assist labor organizations and to choose a representative for collective bargaining.
• Certification of Labor Organizations: Labor organizations can be certified by showing interest from at least 5% of active drivers. Once certified, they can represent the drivers in negotiations.
• Duties of TNCs and Labor Organizations: TNCs must provide necessary driver data to authorized labor organizations and negotiate in good faith. Labor organizations are also required to negotiate fairly and represent drivers without discrimination.
• Unfair Labor Practices: Specifies practices deemed unfair, such as TNCs refusing to negotiate, surveilling driver activities, or trying to control labor organizations. It also outlines unfair practices for labor organizations, like coercing drivers.

Significant Changes

• Mediation and Arbitration: The bill establishes a process for mediation and arbitration if negotiations between TNCs and labor organizations reach an impasse.
• Public Records and Compliance: TNCs must regularly submit driver data to a commissioner, ensuring transparency and compliance with the new labor framework.
• Rights of Drivers: Protects drivers from retaliatory actions by TNCs and ensures their right to engage in concerted activities without interference.

Implementation

A new chapter in the Minnesota Statutes, chapter 179B, is proposed to codify the new rights and obligations.

Relevant Terms

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