One Step Closer to Rideshare Union Rights in Massachusetts: State’s Uber and Lyft Drivers Picket at MA Uber Offices

Massachusetts drivers, supported by national labor leaders, local union members, and community activists, escalated our longstanding campaign for organizing and collective bargaining rights in the state. We went to Uber’s Headquarters in Boston to call for a collaborative resolution involving legislative leadership to address conflicting legislative and ballot proposals so that drivers can walk away with the wages and protections we deserve. 

Bethlehem Tsegaye, a Boston-area Lyft driver and leader, highlighted the need for updated labor laws during Black History Month. “During Black History Month, it’s important for us to remember that our labor laws were made way back when it was okay to leave out Black, brown, and immigrant workers from important rights and protections. We need updated rules that finally give us the rights that we deserve as equal citizens of Massachusetts and that keep big companies like Uber and Lyft in check.”

Thank you to all our Massachusetts members who came out to rally with us on February 28. Together, we will bring this win home!

New York Drivers: Important Information on State’s Lyft and Uber Settlement – Claims Process is Now Open

In a win for New York’s Uber and Lyft drivers, New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with the companies that will provide millions of dollars in back pay for certain drivers as well as new benefits, including sick pay, for all current NY Uber and Lyft drivers.

The claims process is now open.

As of March 7, 2024, the claims process is now open and notices are being mailed to drivers by Rust Consulting, the settlement administrator. Per Rust Consulting: You must file a claim to receive a settlement payment. THE DEADLINE TO FILE A CLAIM IS JULY 29, 2024. You can file a claim online or by mail. 

You can find all of the information on how to file a claim, who qualifies for settlement payments, what new benefits and support current drivers will receive, and how to avoid scams at https://driversguild.org/claims/.If you have any questions regarding the settlement, please reach out to the IDG office at 1-833-442-8848.

As a Rideshare Driver, You May Be Eligible for the Self Employment Tax Credits (SETC)

Traversing the tax credit system can be overwhelming. But we want you to know that if you had to miss work due to COVID-19 between April 2020 and September 2021, you may be eligible for the Self Employed Tax Credits (SETC). The potential advantages are significant, and based on your net earnings in 2020 and 2021, you may qualify for substantial tax credits through SETC.

Acknowledging the difficulties in the application process, we have partnered with Horizon Funding and Quantified Tax, to offer discounted personalized assistance to drivers applying for SETC. Building on our successful past collaboration with Horizon Funding for PPP loans, we are enthusiastic about our renewed partnership to simplify the SETC application procedure for our members.

Time is of the essence, with the deadline for submitting your 2020 credit application being April 15, 2024. To assess your eligibility, complete our intake form, and within 48 hours, a representative from Quantifi Tax will reach out to you. 

Before completing the intake form, ensure you document any days you were not working due to COVID-related circumstances, verify non-overlapping unemployment records for the same period, and gather your tax returns for 2019, 2020, and 2021, along with any pertinent W-2s. It is crucial to exclude days of unemployment, as they are not eligible for this program and may pose a liability during an audit. For more information and to initiate the application process, please visit us online at https://driversguild.org/setccredit/ or call us at 833-452-2088.

IDG Stands with Delivery Workforce In Their Fight for Fair Pay: NYC Drivers Head to City Hall in Support of Delivery Workers

IDG rideshare drivers are set to join our fellow app workers at the Justice for App Workers Delivery Minimum Wage Rally on Wednesday, March 27, at 11 am, at the iconic New York City Hall Steps in City Hall Park, New York, NY. We anticipated the challenges delivery workers might face from the city’s recent delivery worker minimum wage law, but our concerns were ignored. Now, with lockouts becoming a reality for New York City delivery drivers, we must take action.

UberEats and DoorDash have even gone so far as to complicate the tipping process, a move that appalls us! As advocates for fair labor practices, we’re standing up against these tactics and calling on New York Mayor Eric Adams and City Hall to address this urgent issue. The Independent Drivers Guild urges all rideshare drivers to show their solidarity and support for our delivery worker colleagues at this critical rally. Together, let’s fight for justice, fair wages, and improved working conditions. RSVP today by visiting bit.ly/JFAWMarch27. Your participation will make all the difference!

Driver Spotlight: Meet IDG Florida Member George Nelson

Meet George Nelson, a dedicated member of the Independent Drivers Guild and a seasoned driver with over 5 years of experience with Lyft and Uber. George is not just a driver; he’s a passionate advocate for the rights and well-being of fellow drivers in Florida. Having experienced the challenges of the ride-sharing industry firsthand, George expresses gratitude for the IDG’s unwavering support. “I trust IDG, I rely on them, I didn’t trust anyone before.”

One pressing issue George brings to light is the lack of support from ride-sharing giants Uber and Lyft. “Uber and Lyft don’t even have an office in Orlando, so we are orphaned.” George envisions a brighter future with an IDG office in Florida, providing a centralized hub for drivers to seek assistance, attend classes, and receive support for mental health – a place they can truly call their own.

Addressing the economic challenges faced by drivers, George emphasizes the need for better wages. “We need better wages; they are taking like 60 to 65% for themselves, and us drivers are getting 40% or 35%.” This shift in the profit-sharing dynamic of Uber and Lyft’s operations is something IDG continues to fight against.

Despite the hurdles, George remains optimistic about the future, attributing his optimism to the support received from IDG. ” Uber and Lyft want to see us going in different directions so that we have no power against them. IDG keeps us united.”

In the face of industry challenges, George Nelson stands out as a resilient advocate, working alongside IDG to bring positive change to the lives of independent drivers in Florida.

Happy Iftar and Ramadan to All Our Powerful Members

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, we at IDG extend our warm wishes to the members of the Independent Drivers Guild who observe this sacred time of reflection, compassion, and community. Ramadan is not only a period of spiritual significance but also a time to acknowledge the dedication and resilience of rideshare workers in their pursuit of fair rights, improved pay, and the respect they rightfully deserve. Just as fasting during Ramadan fosters a sense of solidarity and empathy, the shared journey of rideshare drivers toward better working conditions creates a powerful bond of unity. 

In the spirit of Iftar, the breaking of fast, many Guild members find strength and inspiration in their collective efforts to establish a union, ensuring their voices are heard, rights protected, and labor valued. May this Ramadan be a source of renewed hope and empowerment for all Independent Drivers Guild members as we continue our important work for justice and dignity in the rideshare industry. Ramadan Mubarak!

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Women Leaders Drive our Union!

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of women throughout history and in the present day. As we commemorate the relentless spirit of women who’ve shaped our world and risked their lives to break ground for labor rights, we honor the courage and resiliency of female rideshare drivers. Every day, female drivers navigate challenges on issues we’re still fighting on – including discrimination, pay, and safety. At IDG, we stand in solidarity with our women drivers, recognizing their pivotal role in the transportation industry and the victories women have led so far. Just as women have historically fought for equality and recognition, our work throughout the year echoes this struggle, advocating for fair wages, benefits, and rights for all rideshare workers.

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, the Independent Drivers Guild reaffirms its commitment to supporting women rideshare workers year-round. From challenging systemic biases to amplifying the voices of female drivers, IDG will continue to fight for equality and justice.

Get support 

New York Office Hours & Weekly Outreach

IDG’s NYC office is bigger and better than ever! Visit us:

New York Independent Drivers Guild

41-09 36th St #3

Queens, NY 11101

Monday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM

Until further notice, IDG weekly outreach will now be on Wednesdays at LaGuardia Airport only.

Queens Outreach

LaGuardia Airport

23rd Avenue and 90th Street, Queens, NY 11371

Wednesdays from 1PM – 5PM 

New Jersey Office Hours

New Jersey Independent Drivers Guild

110 Fieldcrest Avenue, 3rd Floor

Edison, New Jersey 08837

Thursdays from 9AM to 5PM

Friday from 10AM to 4PM

Connecticut Office Hours

Connecticut Independent Drivers Guild

157 Church St

New Haven, CT 06510

Wednesdays from 10AM to 6PM

Illinois Office Hours

IL Drivers! Have you visited our office yet? Come in and get support!

Illinois Independent Drivers Guild

114 W Higgins Rd

Park Ridge, IL 60068

Monday – Thursday from 10AM to 4PM

Friday from 10 AM to 2PM

Saturday from 10AM to 2PM

Sunday: Closed

Massachusetts Office Hours

Caffe Nero

1047 Commonwealth Ave

Boston/Allston

Tuesdays from 11AM – 3PM

Boston Logan Airport

Tuesdays from 3:30PM – 5:30PM

Boston Logan Airport

Every other Wednesday from 11:30AM – 1:30PM

Not in CT, IL, MA, NJ, FL or NY? Contact us here to speak with organizers about next steps. Reach out today – let’s organize in your state!
You can now read previous editions of the IDG Member Newsletter here!