Rideshare Drivers Demand Fair Pay, Treatment in NYC Protest

Hundreds of Uber and Lyft drivers protested against what they say is unfair pay and mistreatment from the rideshare companies in a demonstration on Wednesday.

The drivers affiliated with the advocacy group Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) began their protest in Brooklyn, crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, through FDR Drive and 1st Avenue, and the Queensboro Bridge before reaching the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) office in Queens, according to a press release. 

The IDG represents 80,000 rideshare drivers in New York City and is calling for urgent action from the TLC to address rising driver expenses, compensate for lost wages and put an end to app-based driver "lockouts," which prevent drivers from accessing their platforms to earn a living.

Drivers accused the companies are violating New York City’s minimum wage rules, with Uber lobbying to cut driver pay further in 2024 despite record profits and ridership. Protesters voiced frustration over rising operational costs, reduced earnings per trip, and what they describe as "digital slavery" perpetuated by billion-dollar corporations.

Brendan Sexton, president of the Independent Drivers Guild, said drivers were left on the brink of homelessness after collectively losing millions.

“New York City cannot allow big corporations like Uber and Lyft to abuse and exploit a workforce of 80,000 New Yorkers who serve our city as professional rideshare drivers," Sexton said. "Uber and Lyft cheated New York City drivers out of millions of dollars this year, leaving thousands of rideshare drivers on the brink of homelessness. And now, despite record profits, Uber is lobbying the city to cut driver pay even further – and threatening to effectively lay off drivers if they don’t get their way."

IDG has gathered over 5,000 signatures on a petition outlining nine demands, including increased wages and protections against further wage theft. Drivers also want limits on the issuance of new for-hire vehicle licenses, which they argue exacerbate competition and reduce earnings for existing drivers.