Lucy Nicholson/Reuters
Because Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, they didn't previously have this right - The National Labor Relations Act, which gives employees the right to collective bargaining, does not apply to independent contractors.
Seattle's new decision makes it the first city to pass legislation to allow it.
Uber's classification of its drivers as independent contractors means drivers are not entitled to many standard worker rights, like minimum wage, overtime, or mileage reimbursements.
The approved legislation will allow Seattle drivers join a nonprofit that qualifies as a "Driver Representative Organization" (like a union). Uber, Lyft, and other companies will have to send the nonprofit list of eligible drivers from Seattle, who it could then contact. If the nonprofit could show that it had the support of a majority of drivers, then the city would have to designate it as a bargaining representative.
The non-profit will then be able to argue for things like minimum wage and paid time off, although those aren't guarantees.
Uber and Lyft were both opposed to this ordinance, saying that it violates federal law
"Today, we set an example for how cities across the country can work to ensure safe, reliable transportation and basic worker protections in our current legal landscape," City Council Member Mike O'Brien, who first proposed the ordinance, said in a press release.