On: With help from Teamsters, LA Uber drivers try to organize

[jluxenberg]

  >> Uber drivers are independent contractors, 
  >> so they can't form a union, which is why 
  >> they're trying to form an association

Does this mean it's illegal for them to form a union? Why would it be? What prevents them from unionizing?

[cdcarter → jluxenberg]

No, there is just no legal recognition of a union (as is understood in the US) for freelance contractors. Contractors organize through professional associations, instead.

[zaroth → jluxenberg]

I'm sure it's a lot more complicated than this... but when a majority of employees vote to unionize, and the union is certified, the union then has sole authority to negotiate employment terms with the company. I think from that perspective, it makes sense why independent contractors, who are by definition negotiating directly with the company, can't unionized.