SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Uber and Lyft drivers in the state are marking a first in the nation as they are now officially part of a recognized rideshare drivers union.

Local drivers say they hope this change leads to better pay that keeps up with gas and maintenance, and stronger protections on the job.

“The days of treating drivers like disposable labor is coming to an end,” said IAM Union President Brian Bryant.

Nearly 18 months after Massachusetts voters created a pathway for rideshare drivers to unionize, the App Drivers Union was officially signed into law by Gov. Healey on Tuesday.

The union says it’ll represent nearly 70,000 Uber and Lyft drivers across the state, creating a formal way for them to negotiate as a group instead of one-by-one.

“The fact that we don’t have to pay a fee to join the union is a great step in the right direction,” a driver said.

Many local rideshare drivers in Springfield say they’re hopeful this union means more money in their pockets and more support for the real costs of doing the job.

Between gas, car insurance, and maintenance, their take-home pay can change fast, particularly when fuel prices are hitting record highs like they have this spring.

One part-time Lyft driver said they want their pay close to what they’re spending to stay on the road.

“I do believe that we get paid well but with gas being so expensive it would be nice ... if the gas goes up maybe the pay can go up with the same standards and if the gas goes down then your payment goes down,” the driver said.

However, pay isn’t the only concern.

One full-time rideshare driver in Springfield says he wants to see the union create stronger protections, especially if something goes wrong on a trip.

“Right now, we don’t have any protections,” the driver said. “If we have an accident with a rider in the car, it’s a big problem, us drivers would be at fault and be in big trouble.”

Rideshare drivers also say their cars go through a lot of wear and tear on the job and they’re paying out of pocket to keep their vehicles safe for passengers.

“It’s a lot of miles I put on my car every day so, if you’re a good driver and you have good reviews, maybe they should give you more money or maybe they should give you bonuses,” the driver said. “That’s a big expense for us only they don’t contribute to those costs.”

Union leaders say the next step is moving into the collective bargaining process as drivers push for changes, they say, will make rideshare work more sustainable across the state.

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