Uber drivers fought to gain employee status in California, and are trying to form a trade union in Seattle. New York's Alles isn't a trade union, however, and Uber drivers still aren't employees, so it won't be able to negotiate driver fees, which are fixed by the ridesharing service. However, Uber agreed to allow labor associations as part of the terms of its settlement with Massachusetts and California, and New York drivers quickly took advantage. "Since Uber management controls the fares charged for the service, drivers want and need security and protection," Alles said in a statement.