Illinois U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin (D) met with Rivian CEO and founder R.J. Scaringe in Washington on September 27. Durbin praised the electric vehicle manufacturer but also reiterated workers' right to organize. "In meeting with Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe today, I reiterated my support for the company's mission while reminding Mr. Scaringe that Rivian employees deserve the benefits and security offered by a union if they so choose." Both the International Association of Machinists and the United Auto Workers are working with Rivian employees to see about union organization.