Mass Voters Approve Union Rights for Uber Drivers, Rejects Legalization of Psychedelics

BOSTON — Massachusetts voters approve donations drivers union rights for companies such as Uber and Lyft, but rejected measures to legalize some psychedelics.

The issues were among five measures put before voters on Tuesday’s ballot. Voters also said no to raising the hourly minimum wage for tip workers. But they approved eliminating comprehensive tests as a high school diploma requirement and approved an audit of the Legislature.

Voters approved giving drivers at companies like Uber and Lyft the right to unionize.

Under federal law, drivers are considered independent contractors and are not allowed to join unions. A voter-approved ballot measure allows drivers to unionize in Massachusetts. Drivers will not be required to participate. In the corporate sector, companies will be allowed to join forces through associations that will represent their common interests in negotiations.

Under this measure, the state will have the right to approve negotiated contracts. The proposal also provides a hearing process when a company or union is accused of unfair labor practices.

Unions pushed for change despite settlement announced in June The state Attorney General’s Office guarantees Uber and Lyft drivers a standard minimum wage of $32.50 an hour.

Opponents said the measure would raise prices for drivers without directly benefiting drivers and create what they call a “radical new labor category” inconsistent with federal labor laws. Critics also say drivers already enjoy benefits including higher hourly pay and paid sick and family medical leave.

Voters rejected a proposal to gradually increase the amount employers must pay workers who collect tips, such as restaurant servers.

The state wage for tipped workers is now $6.75 an hour, while minimum hourly wage for most other workers it is $15. Now, if a worker doesn’t earn enough in tips to bring it up to $15 an hour, the employer must make up the difference.

Under the proposal, employers would have to pay tipped workers $9.60 an hour starting Jan. 1 and meet the full state minimum wage in early 2029.

Proponents argued that tips should be a reward for good service, not a subsidy for low wages. Critics said the proposal would lower overall waitstaff wages, increase costs for restaurants and diners and could lead to the closure of some local eateries.

Rejected ballot release would allow residents 21 and older grow and use plant psychedelics in certain circumstances. Two other states legalized some mind-altering drugs that the federal government considers illegal.

The psychedelics in question included psilocybin and psilocin, which are found in so-called “magic mushrooms”; and mescaline, dimethyltryptamine and ibogaine from plants.

Critics of the proposal warn it could create a black market. They also argued that centers that sell the drug would not be prohibited from giving psychedelics to people considered high-risk, such as those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Until now, Massachusetts students were required to take comprehensive tests to receive a high school diploma. The approved issuance of bulletins does not cancel the examinations, but provides that they will no longer be required to obtain a diploma.

Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests are administered in mathematics, science and technology, and English.

Instead of taking tests, students will be required to complete coursework certified by their local school district and meet state academic standards in the subjects.

Teachers unions have been among the harshest critics of the use of tests as a graduation requirement, saying “teaching by tests” limits their ability to provide students with a more complete education.

Proponents of the tests argued that without the requirement, school districts would accept lower standards for students to graduate. They said it was unfair to award diplomas to unprepared students.

Voters gave the state auditor the power to audit the Legislature.

The ballot measure was spearheaded by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who previously served in both the state House and Senate. She said the legislation’s passage is a victory for those who want more open state government.

“The people of Massachusetts want the fairness, transparency and accountability that a legislative audit will bring,” she said.

Critics said the issue would violate the separation of powers under the Massachusetts Constitution.

Democratic Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano released a statement saying they would consider “how best to respect the results of the Question 1 election in a manner consistent with the fundamental principles of the Massachusetts Constitution, including the separation of powers.”

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Associated Press writer Nick Perry in Meredith, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.