Rideshare drivers rally for state law creating path for them to unionize

Rideshare drivers from across Illinois kicked off a two-day fight Tuesday for better pay and working conditions.

A rally was held on Tuesday morning in Chicago's Loop.

After the rally Tuesday, many of the rideshare drivers were set to head to Springfield to support a new bill. The state legislation would create a legal pathway for more than 100,000 drivers to form a union and bargain collectively with app-based companies such as Uber and Lyft.

"This bill protects drivers and guarantees their rights to have a voice. It's about fairness, it's about dignity, and it's about respecting the workers who make this industry possible," said Sam Cicinelli, with the Illinois Drivers Alliance.

The Illinois Drivers Alliance legislation is sponsored by Illinois state Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Rep. Yolonda Morris (D-Chicago). Villivalam and other state lawmakers were in attendance for the rally Tuesday.