The Independent Drivers Guild is Here to Assist Drivers with Deactivations

Unfair deactivations can disrupt your ability to earn for yourself and your loved ones. The Independent Drivers Guild is your advocate in times like these! With a track record of aiding thousands of drivers, our team has the know-how to help you challenge and overturn wrongful deactivations, ensuring you can get back on the road. If you’ve recently experienced deactivation, our union process is tailored to assist you. Don’t hesitate to visit IAMdeactivated.com for the support you need.

Save the Date: Driver Appreciation Day in New Jersey on August 27

Hey there, New Jersey rideshare drivers! You’re in for a treat. Save the date for the New Jersey Independent Drivers Guild Driver Appreciation Day on Sunday, August 27, starting from 12pm till 6pm. Conant Park’s the spot – you can find it at 320 Conant St, Hillside, NJ 07205. As we fight for justice, we also recognize the importance of unwinding and fostering a sense of togetherness. Join us at this highly anticipated event, where we can celebrate our achievements, enjoy halal cuisine, and relish in quality time with family – all at no cost! We extend a heartfelt invitation to all app workers and their loved ones. Join us for a day filled with food, fun, and more on August 27 by RSVPING TODAY. 

Don’t Miss It! Enjoy Connecticut IDG’s Driver Appreciation Day on September 2

Calling all Connecticut rideshare drivers! Join the much-anticipated Connecticut Driver Appreciation Day. Don’t miss it on Saturday, September 2nd from 12pm to 4pm at 357 Main St, East Hartford, CT 06118. As we continue our relentless pursuit of justice, we also recognize the importance of creating time for relaxation and nurturing a strong community. With refreshments and activities, we cordially invite all app workers and their families to join us. RSVP here to join the celebration.

English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship Classes for New York Rideshare and Delivery Drivers 

We’re thrilled to share the news that IDG is offering a fantastic opportunity this fall – English and Citizenship classes tailored to the needs of drivers, delivery workers, and their family members (18 years and above). These classes are designed to help you build your language skills and enhance your understanding of citizenship requirements.

The best part? The classes are absolutely free and will be held in-person at IDG. Secure your spot by signing up today. Don’t miss out on this chance to develop your language proficiency and citizenship knowledge. Once you sign up, mark your calendars for August 29. Join us at IDG for English-level testing and necessary paperwork between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. And yes, we’ve got you covered – enjoy a selection of Halal food while you’re here!

The classes are scheduled to run from September 5 to December 21, 2023. This comprehensive program will equip you with the language skills you need. For more information and updates, please visit our website at ny.driversguild.org/classes. We’re looking forward to embarking on this learning journey with you and helping you achieve your language and citizenship goals. See you at IDG!

New Jersey Independent Drivers Guild Members Rally for Fair Wages and the Right to Form a Union

We’re thrilled to bring you the latest update on our relentless pursuit of fair pay for rideshare drivers. This week, a resounding chorus of voices echoed outside Newark City Hall as our passionate members united for a rally spotlighting the glaring disparity between the skyrocketing expenses faced by drivers and the stagnant driver pay rates in New Jersey. Our collective roar demanded equitable compensation and the need for a union for all drivers.

Drivers from all corners of New Jersey shared stories that painted a vivid picture of the challenges we face daily. The unity displayed was a testament to the strength of our Guild—a force to be reckoned with. Let’s continue to stand united, knowing that every rally, every voice, and every action brings us one step closer to achieving the fair compensation that we all deserve.

New York Drivers Keep the Pressure Up to Ensure Congestion Pricing Plan Does Not Double Tax of Rideshare Workers 

Thank you to all the drivers who joined this month at the MTA Congestion Tax Meeting! United,  we amplified our voices and resisted the unfair threat of burdening Uber, Lyft, and FHV drivers with double taxation. Each and every driver’s participation played a pivotal role in conveying a resounding message: any tax for congestion pricing cannot come out of rideshare drivers’ pockets. Keep an eye out for upcoming developments and additional steps in our action plan!

Driver Spotlight: Meet New York IDG Organizer Michele Dottin

In the whirlwind of New Year’s Eve 2016, a spark of independence ignited within a dedicated driver, setting the stage for a journey towards advocacy. “On New Year’s Eve of 2016, I started driving for freedom to control my own schedule. I dove in,” recounts Michele Dottin, now an organizer with the New york Independent Drivers Guild.

As the calendar flipped to early 2017, a pivotal moment arose that would forever change the course of this driver’s engagement. When the news of a potential strike reached the community, the driver admits, “I didn’t know much about this process. I didn’t engage.” It was amidst this time of uncertainty that fate intervened. Sohail, a fellow driver and organizer with IDG, approached them in the lot, initiating a conversation that would plant the seeds of organization. “He started to talk to me about organizing, ‘Why don’t you walk with me…’” This gentle prompt opened doors to a new world of possibilities.

Amidst cultural differences and the daunting task of deciphering IDG’s objectives within the industry, Michele delved headfirst into discussions surrounding deactivation, the controversial process that could abruptly halt a driver’s livelihood. “I would drive about 12, 14 hours, and every spare moment I had, I would go to meetings, talk with drivers, and help with deactivation,” she reflected. This level of dedication transformed days into 14 to 16-hour marathons of relentless work and deactivation advocacy.

The turning point came when the driver and their colleagues chose to confront rideshare giants like Uber, challenging the very foundations of the deactivation process. “We started really pushing back on Uber with regard to how deactivation was being processed.” This uphill battle was not for the faint of heart; it involved confronting app companies and presenting grievances. “We have jabbed and jabbed and pushed and pushed for drivers. But as you know, Rome was not built in a day.”

Representing fellow drivers emerged as a cornerstone of Michele’s mission. “It feels great when a driver gets back on. We celebrate within ourselves, but there is another driver coming in the door. It’s something that pulls on our hearts. We take our work with us because our work is never done. We understand the pressures on drivers in their day-to-day. We worry not only about your job, but also about your health and your well-being.”

At the same time, the process has to be thorough to ensure that the process protects rideshare drivers AND our customers. “Not everyone is innocent, so we have to think about the safety of the riders. We make sure we are fair.”

Michele is proud of the impact of the Independent Drivers Guild and her work around unfair deactivation: “I love this work. I feel like I’m finally doing something that makes a difference and helps every community.”

Thank You for Joining Our Celebrations in New York and Illinois

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the drivers who joined us at the Driver Appreciation Day event in New York and Chicago Gigfest. Your presence added so much vibrancy and energy to the festivities, and it was truly a pleasure to see you all come together to celebrate. Your dedication and hard work are the driving forces behind the success of our community, and these events were a small way for us to express our gratitude. We hope you and your families enjoyed the fun. Thank you once again for being an integral part of our community!

Get support 

​​NJ Office: 

Independent Drivers Guild

110 Fieldcrest Avenue, 3rd Floor

Edison, New Jersey 08837

Thursdays from 10AM to 2PM

NYC office:

41-09 36th St #3

Queens, NY 11101

Monday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM

Connecticut Office:

157 Church St

New Haven, CT 06510

Wednesdays, 10AM – 6PM

Illinois Office Hours

Illinois Independent Drivers Guild

114 W Higgins Rd

Park Ridge, IL 60068

10AM-4PM M-Thurs

10AM-2PM Fri & Sat

Sunday: Closed

Massachusetts Office:

Caffe Nero

1047 Commonwealth Ave

Boston/Allston, MA 02215

Tuesdays from 11AM – 3PM

Boston Logan Airport

Tuesdays from 3:30PM – 5:30PM

Boston Logan Airport

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

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: 9:30 AM to 7:00PM

Friday- 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Saturday- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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, 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!