JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER: UPDATES FROM THE INDEPENDENT DRIVERS GUILD
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New York App Driver from November 2014 to July 2017? You Must File a Claim by July 29 to Receive Your Settlement Payment
New York State Attorney General Letitia James has announced a settlement for Lyft drivers who worked between October 11, 2015 and July 31, 2017 and Uber drivers who worked between November 10, 2014 and May 22, 2017 for $328 million.
Uber and Lyft lost in court and may owe you thousands of dollars. To get the money you are owed, you need to fill out a form from the firm the government hired to distribute the money, called Rust Consulting. You must file a claim to receive your settlement payment!
FILE YOUR CLAIM to Receive Settlement from NY AG:
New York UBER Drivers from Nov 10, 2014 to May 22, 2017
FILE YOUR CLAIM to Receive Settlement from NY AG:
New York LYFT Drivers from Oct 11, 2015 and July 31, 2017
To Receive the NY Rideshare Settlement Payment, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM BY JULY 29, 2024. File your claim today! For more information, visit driversguild.org/claims/!
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Thank You for Joining Us at New York IDG Family Day
New York’s IDG Family Day was a remarkable success, bringing together driver families and the entire driver community for a day of joy, connection, and solidarity. It was heartwarming to see families enjoying the various activities and entertainment, fostering a sense of unity and support among our members. The event provided a well-deserved break for drivers. We were honored to have Mayor Eric Adams and TLC Commissioner David Do join us, showing their support and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of for-hire vehicle drivers.
We are also pleased to announce that alongside The Black Car Fund, we made the landmark announcement that over 50,000 NY For-Hire Drivers now have no-cost benefits under the nation-leading Drivers Benefits Program. Enroll today in the benefits.
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The presence of Mayor Adams and Commissioner Do highlighted the essential role that FHV drivers play in New York City and the tri-state area. Drivers are the backbone of our city’s transportation network, providing reliable and efficient service to millions of residents and visitors every day. Our dedicated and hard-working members ensure that people can get to their destinations safely and on time. We are grateful for the recognition and support from our city leaders, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to improve the working conditions and livelihoods of all FHV drivers.
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Family Days Around the Corner in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Illinois!
Get ready for a fantastic time because IDG Family Days are here! We’ve got an amazing lineup of events filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, top-notch DJs, and so much more. These gatherings are all about celebrating our incredible driver community and giving you a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of your daily grind. Mark your calendars—Connecticut on July 27, New Jersey on July 28, and Illinois on August 10. Be sure to check our events calendar for the latest updates and the RSVP link. Each event is set to deliver a unique mix of fun, relaxation, and entertainment for everyone in the family. You won’t want to miss out!
In a world where long hours and unpredictable schedules are the norm, we’re thrilled to host these fun-filled days to give you a break from the road. We can’t wait to celebrate the hard work we’ve done all year to improve the lives of drivers! See you there!
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Uber: Enough is Enough! End the New York City Lockouts
The ongoing lockouts of rideshare drivers in New York City by Uber are not only unjust but also detrimental to the livelihoods of countless hardworking individuals. These lockouts have left many drivers unable to earn a living, causing financial strain and uncertainty for their families. It’s crucial for Uber to end these unfair practices and recognize the essential role that rideshare drivers play in keeping our city moving. Drivers deserve fair treatment and the opportunity to work without unnecessary barriers.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the members of the Independent Drivers Guild for their relentless efforts in fighting back against these lockouts. Your dedication and perseverance in advocating for your rights have been instrumental in bringing attention to this critical issue. Together, we are making strides toward ensuring that all career drivers can get back on the road and continue to provide the invaluable service that our community relies on. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to this cause.
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Illinois Drivers: Fill Out This Survey to Help Us Win Protections and Wage Increases By Sharing Our Struggle with Politicians
Illinois Drivers: We need your help! We’ve been meeting with Chicago area lawmakers and the conversations are scary! Our legislative leaders seem to have no idea that Uber and Lyft’s unfair pay, app policies, and driver “deactivations” are devastating many drivers and families in the Chicagoland area.
Drivers with the Independent Drivers Guild are fighting for change, but we need your help! Please fill out this brief anonymous survey to aid the Independent Drivers Guild in advocating for you and other app-based drivers and delivery workers.
Our lawmakers need to learn the truth about Uber, Lyft, and the other App companies! Once you have filled it out, please share the survey with your friends, colleagues, and on social media. Together we can fight back against unfair app policies, but it will take each of us doing our part. Thanks for all you do!
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Driver Spotlight: Meet IDG Connecticut Member Oriel Hayer
Oriel Hayer’s journey into rideshare driving began from a need for stability. After being laid off from a stable job, he transitioned to working as a real estate agent, a role that offers opportunities but only on a commission basis. To secure a steady income, Oriel started driving for Uber and has been dedicated to the platform for the past two years. “I have a close friend who works for General Dynamics Electric Boat who is a part of the Machinist Union, who mentioned a drivers union. Then one of my friends who is also a driver mentioned IDG, and that’s when I realized this was the same union that had previously been mentioned to me,” Oriel shared, explaining how he discovered the Independent Drivers Guild.
Although Oriel is new to IDG, he is already enthusiastic about the community and support it offers. “I have not yet had to use any of the services provided by IDG, but I have seen the help it has provided to many drivers,” he noted. Seeing the tangible benefits that IDG members enjoy has strengthened his belief in the value of being part of a union. Oriel is eager to leverage the resources and support offered by IDG to enhance his own driving experience and contribute to the collective effort for better conditions.
Looking forward, Oriel hopes to see significant changes within the industry, especially in Connecticut. “Seeing the law changes in places like New York and Massachusetts, I am hopeful to see the same happen here in Connecticut,” Hayer expressed. He is particularly passionate about advocating for wage increases. His journey with IDG is just beginning, and he is optimistic about the positive changes that lie ahead. Thank you for joining us, Oriel! Welcome to the driver movement!
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A Month of Celebration: Independence Days Around the Globe
July 4th is a significant day in the United States, symbolizing the nation’s hard-fought independence and the enduring spirit of freedom. For Independent Drivers Guild members and the rideshare community, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the value of independence and the importance of fighting for rights and justice.
Just as the United States gained freedom, hundreds of countries around the world have fought and won their battles against imperialism and white supremacy. These historical struggles for autonomy and equality resonate deeply with our ongoing fight for drivers to have a voice, respect, fair pay, and union representation. The Independent Drivers Guild stands in solidarity with these global movements, drawing inspiration from their victories as we continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of all rideshare drivers.
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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!