Governor Newsom signs landmark worker legislation, in stark contrast to Trump’s assault on workers and government shutdown

What you need to know: While President Trump shuts down the federal government, fires union workers, and rolls back worker protections, Governor Newsom signed landmark laws giving more than 800,000 rideshare workers a route to union representation - and higher wages - through a deal that also lowers costs for riders across the state.

BERKELEY - Governor Gavin Newsom, joined by organized labor, today signed into law landmark legislation that strengthens labor rights for rideshare drivers. At a moment when President Donald Trump and Republicans have triggered a federal government shutdown that forces federal workers to go unpaid and face layoffs, California is proving that government can instead support working families.

Donald Trump is holding the government hostage and stripping away worker protections. In California, we're doing the opposite: proving government can deliver - giving drivers the power to unionize while we continue our work to lower costs for families. That's the difference between chaos and competence.

Governor Gavin Newsom

"Trump is gutting workers' fundamental right to come together and demand fair pay and treatment," said Tia Orr, Executive Director of SEIU California. "But here in California, we are sending a different message: when workers are empowered and valued, everyone wins. Shared prosperity starts with unions for all workers.

"This law is about dignity and fairness for the people who keep California moving," said Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland). "For too long, drivers have not had a meaningful seat at the table in helping to shape their livelihoods. AB 1340 gives them the power to stand together, bargain for better pay and protections, and help build a future where the gig economy works for the people behind the wheel."

"Today marks a historic leap forward for fairness and dignity on the job for hundreds of thousands of California workers who, thanks to Governor Newsom signing AB 1340, will now have the opportunity to join a union," said Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park). "Rideshare drivers are the backbone of the gig economy, and for too long they have been denied the same rights and protections others take for granted. This new law changes that - they will now have the opportunity to sit at the bargaining table with TNCs to negotiate for better pay, safer working conditions, and a voice in the future of their work. This will help raise standards for everyone, because what happens in the gig economy sets the tone for the whole economy."

The path to union representation

Under AB 1340 (Wicks, Berman), for the first time, more than 800,000 rideshare drivers in California will have the legally protected choice to unionize and engage in collective bargaining over wages, benefits, and working conditions. In an era when the federal government is abandoning employees, California is expanding workers' voice and agency in the economy.

Earlier this week, as part of the state's continued efforts to support a strong workforce, Governor Newsom signed another landmark law defending workers, including their right to organize - allowing workers to petition the Public Employee Relations Board when the federal National Labor Relations Board does not fulfill its duties.