IDG Wins! Recent Victories in Massachusetts and Connecticut

We are having a hot start to summer with driver victories across the country. In June, the Massachusetts IDG and thousands of MA drivers stood up to Big Tech and helped defeat a state ballot measure backed by Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart that would have barred MA drivers from receiving basic work protections. MA IDG members, stay tuned for what’s next!

This month, Connecticut IDG members rallied at the Connecticut State Capitol to let policymakers know that CT drivers deserve respect, including higher wages to afford rising gas prices and broader bathroom access. Only a few days after their rally, CT IDG achieved a major victory! Porta potties were installed at the local airport for the first time ever. 

Congratulations to Massachusetts and Connecticut IDG drivers on your wins. When we fight together, we win together! 

Driver Spotlight: Meet IDG CT member Adam Abubakar

Adam Abubakar has been driving with Lyft and Uber for 6 years. Abubakar is originally from Egypt, where he sends money each month to support his family. He also takes care of his daughter here. Speaking about the recent rally for bathrooms for drivers at Bradley Airport in Connecticut, Abubakar said, “I’m the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. Because I know how hard it is to be a driver. We are providing for the car payment, the gas, and the insurance. I haven’t paid my car payment yet. All my money is going to rent and gas. I had my phone cut off.”

“We protested and we won our bathrooms. It shows the power of unity. Thank you to everybody. It’s a start. Thank God right now we have a bathroom.” Still, Abubakar wanted to be clear that this is one of many issues that matters to drivers. “We are fighting for bathrooms, but that is one thing. We need to fight for them to be cleaned. And we need more money, to drive with dignity and a driver minimum wage. We are filling up on gas. We leave for the holidays. Ramadan, still working in the heat.”

“But if the driver didn’t have IDG, we would have no backbone. IDG cares for the drivers. I’ve even seen people get help with housing. For me, it’s about power and unity and getting what we need.”

Save the Date: Don’t Miss IDG Summer Fun in Your State!

One of our favorite times of the year is back again! We are excited to host our annual summer celebrations to cheer the hard work and commitment that drivers show year-round. Come down for a day of fun and great food, and relax with fellow drivers in your community! Check below for dates and locations for the festivities in your IDG state, and look out for more details soon.

New York IDG: We are proud to co-host our IDG Family Day with Justice for App Workers!

Date: Saturday, August 20th 

Location: Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, NY

Connecticut IDG: Save the Date!

Date: Saturday, August 20th

Location: Edgewood Park in New Haven, CT

New Jersey IDG: Save the Date!

Date: Saturday, September 10th  

Location: Weequahic Park in Elizabeth, NJ

Illinois IDG: Join the first annual Chicago GigFest to launch Justice for App Workers IL!

Date: Sunday, August 14th

Location: Schiller Woods in Chicago, IL

Massachusetts IDG: Driver Appreciation Lunch!

Date: Tuesday, August 23

Location: To Be Determined

Struggling Now? These IDG Services Are Here to Support You

IDG members! Especially with costs going up, we know how difficult this job can be – but IDG drivers have a lifeline. With your IDG family by your side, you are not alone. Look at some of these services if you are in need of support now. 

Mental Health Support

Don’t struggle in silence – we’re here for you. Your local IDG office is always free to talk with you. Remember with IDG, you never drive alone. 

New York Wellness Number (917-594-4898) or bit.ly/IDGHealth

National Suicide Hotline Number (800-273-8255) 

Accident Support

Get help with reporting an accident, related legal assistance, and figuring out if you are owed additional money after an accident.

See what’s available in your state here: https://driversguild.org/benefits/

Legal Support

Legal resources are available to assist you with collisions that occur while working, tickets accrued on the job, or any other workplace legal matter. Get affordable legal help from qualified lawyers.

See what’s available in your state here: https://driversguild.org/legal/

Happy Independence Day and Eid Al Adha Mubarak

Earlier this month, IDG celebrated Independence Day, an important day in American history that reminds us of our struggle to make the American Dream a reality. The Independent Drivers Guild understands firsthand the struggles that drivers take on every day, many as new immigrants to the United States. 

We are proud to continue our fight for fair wages and treatment for all the drivers across the nation striving for a better life for themselves and their families.

IDG hopes everyone had a happy Eid Al Adha Mubarak. We remember that many drivers do not get enough time to be with their families because of this difficult industry. We vow to keep fighting for drivers to finally make enough to rest for holidays and days off. 

Get support 

New York Office Hours & Weekly Outreach

IDG’s NYC office is in a NEW location and better than ever! Visit us:

New York Independent Drivers Guild

41-09 36th St #3

Queens, NY 11101

Monday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM

We’ve updated our outreach schedule. Tuesday outreach will now alternate between Brooklyn and the Bronx. 

Brooklyn Outreach

2096 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223

Every other Tuesday from 11AM – 2PM, starting 6/14

Queens Outreach

LaGuardia Airport

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

Wednesdays from 1PM – 5PM 

Bronx Outreach

1231 Lafayette Ave, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10474

Every other Tuesday from 11AM – 2PM, starting 6/21

Connecticut Office Hours

CT Drivers! IDG is here to help. Join us at our Connecticut office. 

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 – Friday 9:30AM to 7PM

Saturday – Sunday 11AM to 7PM

Massachusetts Office Hours

MA Drivers! We are always here to help you. Visit us on Tuesdays at:

Caffe Nero

1047 Commonwealth Ave

Boston/Allston

Time: 11AM – 3PM

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!