Rideshare Workers Call for More Safety Measures While Uber Shareholders Ignore Our Pain

Despite Uber’s business model placing significant risks on drivers, Uber shareholders recently rejected two driver safety proposals at their May shareholder meeting. The rejected proposals aimed to improve driver safety and address concerns regarding working conditions and transparency within the company. But this fight is not over. Every year we suffer under low pay, lack of benefits, and dangerous conditions. From our recent memorial for app workers we lost this year in New York City to the fight for safety in Tampa, Florida, we will remain united to win safety on the job.

Florida IDG Drivers Take Action in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all Florida drivers for joining the Independent Drivers Guild. This remarkable milestone signifies a significant accomplishment for drivers in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and beyond, enhancing their efforts to secure higher wages, benefits, and the opportunity to form a union. By joining the IDG, drivers gain a valuable platform to advocate for themselves and their fellow drivers, along with access to various resources such as legal services, insurance, and financial planning. With the introduction of Florida IDG, drivers now possess a powerful voice to champion their rights and a supportive community to assist them in navigating the challenges associated with working for ride-sharing companies. Once again, we applaud all Florida drivers for taking this crucial step forward!

Illinois Drivers Lead Strategic Meeting on How to Win Pay Increase

We would like to express our gratitude to all the drivers who attended the Justice for App Workers Illinois Strategic Meeting on Driver Pay. The significant turnout of drivers underscores the importance of this issue and the shared commitment to addressing it. Moving forward, we are dedicated to developing a comprehensive plan specific to Illinois that aims to enhance pay and ensure that drivers receive the fares we rightfully deserve. Your valuable input and contributions during the meeting will serve as the foundation for this plan. Together, we will work tirelessly to advocate for fair compensation and create positive changes within the rideshare industry in Illinois. 

New Jersey IDG Wellness Training Sets Out to Support Drivers’ Mental Health

New Jersey IDG held a Wellness Training with IDG’s licensed counselors to give drivers access to mental health services. NJ IDG organizers learned new skills empowering them to provide emotional support to drivers during outreach and in the future at driver discussion circles. Organizers also held a great community meeting of Paterson area IDG members.

And note for New Jersey Drivers: Please save the date for June 23. We’re planning a rally to demand fair pay and a more just industry. More details to follow!

IDG Drivers Celebrate with Iftar Dinners in New York and Massachusetts

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the members of the Independent Drivers Guild who attended the IDG Hosted Iftar Dinners in New York and Massachusetts. As we gathered together to break fast during the holy month of Ramadan, we recognized the significance of Iftar as a time of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and community. It was truly special to see drivers come together to share this occasion, despite our demanding schedules. We acknowledge the dedication and hard work of drivers who often work even during holidays, and we firmly believe that we deserve the ability to afford working fewer hours. Thank you for joining us and for your unwavering commitment to improving our industry.

Massachusetts Drivers Speak at Machinists Annual Meeting

Thank you to the drivers who spoke at the Massachusetts Machinists Annual Meeting. Your passionate advocacy and willingness to share your experiences have played a crucial role in advancing the Rideshare Driver Justice Bill. This bill, a significant legislative initiative, aims to protect the rights and improve the working conditions of Uber and Lyft drivers in Massachusetts. If passed, it would grant drivers the right to a union, along with ensuring access to essential benefits such as minimum wage, overtime pay, healthcare, and job protections. By speaking out and lending your voices to this cause, MA drivers are paving the way for a more equitable and just rideshare industry across the country. Thank you for your dedication and for being at the forefront of this exciting movement for change!

Driver Spotlight: Meet Illinois IDG Member Tim Murphy

Illinois IDG member Tim Murphy was Born and raised in Chicago. He first began working in the taxi business but then bought a van and started driving for Uber and Lyft 4 years ago. He usually works the airports so he can tell visitors where to go for the best pizza, shopping, Chicago hot dogs, and more. “For me, I like the freedom that this job offers. The sole reason has to be for the freedom because the money does not come easy. And at the end of summer last year, the money changed significantly.”

“As drivers, we are using our highest or second-highest value asset to make money. It’s not just an hourly wage. There are expenses with this job through using your car. And we need those to be covered. Something needs to change in that area. And I believe drivers do need representation as a group through a union. There does need to be collective representation for us. So I’m happy to see IDG fighting for that.” 

“I joined because I feel like IDG understands what we go through. IDG understands our struggles and the exploitation we face as drivers. They understand the day-to-day of how this business works. And IDG is happy to help. It’s a great thing to have IDG behind us as drivers.”

IDG was also there for Tim recently when he got into an accident. “When I got rear-ended while driving, I wasn’t sure what to do. But I decided to go into the IDG office and they told me to call their guy in Legal Rideshare. We started the process and he took care of me. I’m very appreciative of how things run at IDG.” 

Happy Mother’s Day from the Independent Drivers Guild

Happy Mother’s Day to all the hardworking moms out there, especially those who drive for Uber and Lyft! Your dedication to providing for your family while also being a rideshare driver is truly admirable. We appreciate the sacrifices you make every day to ensure your children have a bright future. As the Independent Drivers Guild, we recognize the unique challenges that working moms face in our industry and the value of the flexibility our work provides for working families. Balancing work and family responsibilities can be tough, but you do it with grace and determination. Your resilience is an inspiration to us all. Happy Mother’s Day! 

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

154 Ridge Road

Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

Thursdays from 10AM to 2PM

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: 9:30AM to 7PM

Friday: 9:30 AM to 2 PM

Saturday: 11AM to 4 PM

Sunday – Appointment Only 

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, 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!