On September 25th (Thursday), the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) gathered a large number of Uber and Lyft drivers outside City Hall in New York, urging the City Council to pass Councilman Shekar Krishnan’s proposed legislation, Intro. 276, to prevent drivers from arbitrary “deactivation, rate limitation, and dismissal” by platform companies, and to ensure they have basic due process and appeal rights.
At the rally, drivers held up signs saying “We deserve job security,” “Pass Intro. 276,” “Due process for rate restrictions,” “Advance notice,” and “Independent appeal rights” to express their demands.
Chinese driver Mr. Wang (Arthur) stated that in December last year, he was suspended by Uber due to a passenger unilaterally accusing him of “dangerous driving,” and he still cannot resume taking orders. He emphasized that he is a “Premium” level five-star driver who never speeds, yet the platform did not conduct any investigation or hearing and directly suspended him, “which is like destroying my livelihood.”
Another Chinese driver, Mr. Zheng (Leo), revealed that his account has been deactivated for half a year, and he can only rely on Lyft to maintain basic income, around $3,000 per month, significantly lower than before. He bluntly said, “We have worked hard for many years, yet we could lose our jobs at any time, which is absurd. Coming out today is to fight for the most basic rights.”
NYTWA President Bhairavi Desai stated at the rally that there are over 85,000 Uber and Lyft drivers in New York City, transporting 800,000 passengers daily, “It is the hard work of these drivers that has made Uber and Lyft the giants they are today.” However, drivers have been living in the shadow of “constant deactivation” without reasons, notifications, or independent appeal channels. Once their accounts are shut down, it’s like being “cut off from livelihood.”
Desai pointed out that drivers on average have to invest $60,000 to $80,000 in vehicle costs, in addition to $5,000 in insurance expenses. Yet, they could immediately lose their livelihood due to a single complaint or platform unilateral decision, “This is blatant exploitation and unacceptable.”
Councilman Shekar Krishnan emphasized that the legislation “Intro. 276” requires Uber and Lyft to provide at least 14 days’ advance notice and reasons before suspending or dismissing drivers and establish an independent and fair appeals mechanism, allowing drivers to defend themselves before losing their jobs, rather than having the company play the roles of “prosecutor, judge, and jury” simultaneously.
“The core of this reform is to restore some of the power from tech giants to the workers, ensuring the most basic due process,” Krishnan stressed. “This is not just a fight for drivers but a fight for the dignity and rights of all workers in the city.”
Councilman Christopher Marte voiced support for the drivers at the event. He said, “Drivers are friendly to all passengers, keep their cars clean, and take pride in their work. Without them, there would be no Lyft and Uber.”
Marte criticized Lyft for “spending a lot of money to obstruct the bill, because they know that once workers unite, they will definitely win.” He emphasized, “We are well aware that drivers make great sacrifices for the city every day. We will continue to stand side by side with you until we achieve the fair treatment you deserve.”
Regarding Lyft’s letters to the court and drivers claiming that the legislation would “violate drivers’ rights,” Krishnan rebutted, “Lyft chooses to protect profits over labor, which is a wrong and dishonest statement. Bill 276 is not condoning illegal acts, but establishing the most basic American legal principle – everyone should have the right to defend themselves before being deprived of their livelihood.”