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New York, NY – On Monday, December 19, hundreds of New York Uber and Lyft drivers with the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) are hitting the streets in a caravan protest of a New York State Supreme Court judge’s new decision to temporarily halt essential pay raises that Uber has sued to roadblock. The Independent Drivers Guild fought for years for this pay increase and is demanding that Uber pay up. The planned pay increase was supposed to go into effect today.
The caravan protest takes place on Monday starting at 8AM. Drivers are asked to gather and make signs at Tillary & Navy St. (under the BQE). At 9AM the Caravan departs and goes over the Brooklyn Bridge. Around 10AM driver workers will rally and circle the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, at 40 Foley Square, New York, NY 10007 with signs and banners, demanding Uber drop their lawsuit and New York courts side with the Taxi and Limousine Commission and app drivers.
Those taking part in the caravan protest will include app-based drivers and delivery workers who are part of the Independent Drivers Guild along with members of the Justice for App Workers coalition, of which IDG is one of nine coalition member partners in New York City.
Despite record corporate profits, rideshare giant Uber sued to block the driver pay increases approved by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, a necessary adjustment to ensure drivers are paid no less than the equivalent of New York City’s minimum wage after expenses.
“Thousands of New York drivers fought for years to win these raises. While Uber is taking larger and larger commissions from every fare, drivers are being squeezed with the rising cost of living, gas, and car insurance,” said Independent Drivers Guild Organizing Director Aziz Bah.
“We’re not going to take this. This raise covers what we already deserve to cover our working expenses and inflation,” said Independent Drivers Guild member Malik Anwaar, who has driven for Uber in New York City for more than 5 years. “Uber denying our raise right before the holidays is a slap in the face.”
The Independent Drivers Guild is a Machinists Union affiliate that represents and advocates for more than 250,000 drivers across NY, NJ, CT, MA and IL. We are Uber and Lyft workers united for a fair industry. The Guild’s organizing has secured landmark victories that put billions of dollars in the pockets of drivers, including requiring a tipping option in the Uber app and winning the nation’s first minimum wage (after expenses) for rideshare drivers in New York City.
