I was also confused by that part of the article, so I looked up the relevant legislation [1]. It seems that taxicab drivers are classified as independent operat

I was also confused by that part of the article, so I looked up the relevant legislation [1]. It seems that taxicab drivers are classified as independent operators, and so aren't subject to the same sorts of collective bargaining protections that traditional employees posess. This legislation appears (IANAL) to say that Uber (and other entities that contract with for-hire drivers) cannot include provisions in their contracts that prohibit collective bargaining. As a result, since Uber can't prohibit unionization through its contracts with drivers, it's now trying to prevent unionization through propaganda efforts. [1]: http://clerk.seattle.gov/~legislativeItems/Ordinances/Ord_124968.pdf http://clerk.seattle.gov/~legislativeItems/Ordinances/Ord_12...