The Atlanta Rideshare Drivers Union has called on local and state officials to protect rideshare drivers' earnings on platforms like Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER  ) and Lyft Inc. (LYFT  ), arguing that Alphabet Inc.'s (GOOGL  ) (GOOG  ) Waymo is already squeezing human drivers' earnings and work volume.

A Robotaxi Impact Fee

Drivers have told lawmakers they are seeing thinner paychecks, fewer trip requests and more idle time since Waymo's Atlanta rollout broadened in June 2025, according to a report by Axios on Friday. The union is also pushing for limiting Robotaxi deployments, according to the report.

Uber, Lyft and Waymo did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comment.

Liza Ramsey, an official in the union, proposed a Robotaxi impact fee charge on rides that would add roughly 50 cents to $1 to each fare for the drivers. She said the money would flow into a driver transition fund aimed at training, grants and other support for workers displaced by automation.

"If corporations profit from replacing human workers with automation, they should contribute to helping those workers transition to the next opportunity," Ramsey said. The union also wants the city and leaders at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to block robotaxis from airport pickups, the report outlined.

Notably, Uber recently faced a nearly $1 billion fine imposed by authorities in the Netherlands, accusing the ride-hailing company of deactivating drivers' accounts on its platform using automation technology.

Ramsey acknowledged the union does not have consolidated data proving income declines, but shared anecdotes and group chat screenshots shared by drivers. She also pointed to rising costs such as fuel, insurance and vehicle upkeep as possible contributors to lower take-home pay.

Uber's Hybrid Approach, California Drivers' Union

Uber has invested in expanding its autonomous footprint in the form of partnerships with companies like Rivian Automotive Inc. (RIVN  ), as well as robotaxi operators like Baidu Inc.'s (BIDU  ) Apollo Go, among others. However, the company has also advocated for a hybrid approach with a combination of human and autonomous drivers on its platform.

On the other hand, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and California Gig Workers Union (CGWU) announced that they would move to represent drivers working with ride-hailing companies in the state, a move that was hailed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA).