Drivers’ Union Victory in MA Opens Door for Rest of the Country

This month, we celebrate a groundbreaking milestone for Massachusetts rideshare drivers, who, with the passing of Ballot Question 3, have secured the right to unionize and negotiate directly with companies like Uber and Lyft for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. This historic victory, led by our brothers and sisters with the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and SEIU, builds on a decade of advocacy for app workers facing unfair conditions and income instability. Inspired by Massachusetts’ success, IDG is more committed than ever to achieving union protections nationwide, advancing fair treatment, and driving improvements for drivers across the country. Together, we will win a fairer, more secure future for every rideshare driver in the nation.

New York Drivers: Sign Our Petition to Demand Lost Wages from Unfair App Lockouts, Legal Parking, A Pay Increase, And More!

This summer, countless New York City drivers, including many Lyft drivers, were unfairly locked out of the app, leading to significant income losses that impacted families and daily essentials. Now, we’re pushing for change by urging the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to hold Uber and Lyft accountable and protect drivers from these arbitrary disruptions. By signing the Independent Drivers Guild’s petition, you’re joining our call for fair treatment and financial security. This petition demands compensation for lost earnings, stronger protections against future lockouts, a TLC-mandated pay increase, a limit on new FHV driver licenses, fair insurance options, accessible relief stands, EV charging stations, an end to relentless ticketing, and a ban on autonomous vehicles. Stand with us to demand respect, rights, and a fair future for all NYC drivers—sign the petition today!

Florida Rideshare Drivers: Join Us on December 3 to Demand An End to Fake Accounts, Deactivation Protections, and a Raise

Drivers across Florida are calling on Governor DeSantis to take immediate action to ensure safety and security for all Floridians by ending unauthorized, fake Uber and Lyft accounts, protecting drivers from unfair deactivations, and raising wages for Florida drivers. These measures are essential to supporting safety, fairness, and the livelihood of drivers statewide. Join us in urging Governor DeSantis to protect Florida’s drivers and communities, and stand with us in Orlando and Miami on Tuesday, December 3, at 10 a.m. at the Orlando International Airport TNP Waiting Lot and the Miami International Airport TNP Waiting Lot to demand justice for app workers, end fraud, and safeguard rideshare. Click here to RSVP for Orlando. And click here to RSVP for Miami. Join us!

Illinois Drivers Night Out: Celebrate the Historic Union Win in Massachusetts and Learn What It Means for Illinois!

​​Join the Independent Drivers Guild Illinois and Justice for App Workers Midwest on Tuesday, December 10, from 6 pm to 10 pm at Allegra Banquets in Schiller Park for an evening of celebration and connection. We’re coming together to celebrate the recent driver union victory in Massachusetts, a historic win that brings new rights and protections for app-based drivers. This is a great chance to gather with fellow Illinois drivers, enjoy a night of food, music, and fun, and learn what’s next for drivers in Illinois.

The evening will feature a dinner buffet with halal and vegetarian options, a cash bar, a DJ, a photo booth, and much more. We’ll also share an important update on union efforts and progress for Illinois drivers, setting the stage for even more victories ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and stay informed—RSVP today! And click here to get directions. 

New York Members: Join Our Driver Caravan on December 11

On December 11th, the Independent Drivers Guild will lead a driver caravan protest to demand fair treatment, starting at 9 a.m. in Brooklyn and heading to the Falchi Building. Meet us at Park Avenue and Navy Street. Together, drivers will call on the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission and local leaders for compensation for earnings lost due to app lockouts, stronger protections to prevent future lockouts, a pay increase that reflects NYC’s cost of living, and essential changes like limiting new for-hire vehicle licenses, fair insurance rates, relief stands, and EV charging stations. Join us to stand up for fair wages, job security, and respect—RSVP and make your voice heard!

New Jersey and Connecticut Drivers: We Want to Hear from You

The Independent Drivers Guild invites drivers in New Jersey and Connecticut to one-on-one meetings with IDG organizers over the next month. These sessions offer a chance to connect, discuss available support and resources, and explore ways IDG can help. Contact Sohail Rana at 844-335-1264 for New Jersey or 833-240-7063 for Connecticut to get involved. 

Whether you’re dealing with app deactivations, seeking ways to increase earnings, or need local advocacy, IDG wants to hear from you. Join us at the Connecticut IDG (157 Church St., New Haven) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or the New Jersey IDG (110 Fieldcrest Ave., 3rd Floor, Edison) on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See you there!

New York Members: Make the Most of Your Dental Coverage!

The Drivers Benefits dental benefit resets on January 1, 2025. That means you only have two months left to enroll and take advantage of your 2024 benefits! Don’t miss out—enroll now and start using your benefits before the end of the year.   

Eligible New York For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) drivers who are enrolled in Drivers Benefits can receive up to $2,000 in dental services each year—at no cost to you! This incredible program covers 100% of all basic and major restorative care when you visit an in-network dentist. Plus, you’ll gain access to many other valuable health and wellness benefits, all fully paid for by The Black Car Fund.  

Great news! If you’re already enrolled, you can schedule your dental appointment today to make the most of your benefits. To learn more, explore your benefits, or book your appointment, CLICK HERE or call 1-888-306-1947. Don’t wait—start protecting your smile and your health today!  

Stay Healthy with a Free Flu Shot—Courtesy of IDG for New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Florida, and New York Drivers!

Flu season is here, but Independent Drivers Guild members in New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Florida, and New York can stay protected with a free flu shot voucher from Drivers Benefits. Redeemable at any Walgreens or Duane Reade pharmacy, vouchers are emailed within one business day of sign-up and cover shots for all ages, including the 65+ formula. No insurance is required, and vouchers are valid until April 1, 2025—supplies are limited, so redeem yours soon! For more information, visit driversguild.org/flushots.

Driver Spotlight: Meet Connecticut Driver Ibrahim Bingle

Ibrahim Bingle has been a rideshare driver for five years, relying on his work to support his family. When Uber unfairly deactivated him, he tried to navigate the appeal process on his own, but without success. That’s when he turned to the Independent Drivers Guild for help, after seeing a social media post from IDG on his Facebook.  

Being deactivated was a severe blow for Abu, who says, “I love driving, and being deactivated severely hurt my family.” He knows his story is one shared by many drivers. Beyond deactivations, Abu has strong feelings about the state of the rideshare industry.

“The main issue besides deactivation is the pay. I feel they are screwing over drivers. They are only supposed to take 30%, but they take whatever amount they want without any care for how it impacts drivers. Driving from Hartford to New Haven, I’ll only get $20, and I’ll spend more on gas than the trip is worth.”  

Bingle believes the current pay structure undermines the partnership rideshare companies claim to have with drivers. “It should be a partnership between drivers and the apps, not an employee and boss relationship. The way Uber decides to pay drivers is not a partnership, as each driver is coming with their own vehicle, and each ride has a cost. A lot of the time, they are taking as much as 50% of the rides.”  

Since connecting with IDG, Ibhramin has become a passionate advocate for drivers and regularly participates in IDG events, including outreach at Bradley International Airport. He is inspired by the historic win in Massachusetts, where drivers now have the right to form a union and collectively bargain. “It gives us hope that now we can achieve what Massachusetts has. I believe that rideshare drivers should be considered essential workers in the economy due to the crucial work they do.”  

“Uber and Lyft consider drivers as working on the side, but they need to understand that most of their drivers work full-time, as many as 50–60 hours, and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.” Ibrahim’s journey is a testament to the power of organizing and the vital role IDG plays in supporting drivers like him. Thank you for being one of our great members!

Warm Wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season from the Independent Drivers Guild

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, the Independent Drivers Guild is grateful for each and every one of our members who work tirelessly to keep America moving. This holiday season, we honor the hard work and dedication of our community and remain committed to fighting for your rights, fair pay, and safe working conditions. From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful Thanksgiving and a holiday season filled with warmth, happiness, and prosperity. Thank you for being a part of our journey—together, we are stronger. Happy holidays!

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New York Office Hours & Weekly Outreach

Holiday Closures

Thanksgiving and the day after, we’ll be closed (November 28 and November 29).

We are also closed from December 18 to January 3.

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

New Jersey Office Hours

Holiday Closures

Thanksgiving and the day after, we’ll be closed (November 28 and November 29).

We are also closed from December 18 to January 5.

New Jersey Independent Drivers Guild

110 Fieldcrest Avenue, 3rd Floor

Edison, New Jersey 08837

Tuesday: 10am to 2pm  – IDG NJ Customer Service Class

Thursday: 9am to 6pm 

Friday: 9am to 6pm

Outreach at Newark Airport

Tuesday: 10am to 4pm 

Wednesday: 10am to 4pm

Connecticut Office Hours

Holiday Closures

Thanksgiving and the day after, we’ll be closed (November 28 and November 29).

We are also closed from December 18 to January 5.

Connecticut Independent Drivers Guild

157 Church St

New Haven, CT 06510

Wednesdays from 10AM to 6PM

Illinois Office Hours

Holiday Closures

Thanksgiving and the day after, we’ll be closed (November 28 and November 29).

We are also closed from December 18 to January 5.

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

Not in CT, IL, 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!