Independent Drivers Guild

The Independent Drivers Guild Calls On Uber to Offer In-App Tipping Option; Launches Passenger Awareness Campaign

New York, NY — Today, the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) is launching a new campaign to urge Uber to make tipping easier for Uber passengers by creating an in-app tipping option. The IDG is an affiliate of the Machinists Union (IAMAW – District 15) and represents more than 35,000 Uber drivers serving New York City. The labor group surveyed its membership and the lack of an in-app tipping function was the top issue of concern that drivers wished to bring to Uber management at their monthly meeting.

The IDG will also launch a campaign to raise passenger awareness about tipping Uber drivers. The Guild will make stickers available, free of cost, to all drivers to post in their vehicles to let New York City’s Uber passengers know that tips for good service are appreciated.

“Passengers and drivers alike want tipping to be as easy as possible. It’s time for Uber to offer passengers an in-app tipping option,” said Jim Conigliaro, Jr, founder of the Independent Drivers Guild.

“Many passengers are unaware that tipping Uber drivers is permitted or expected. With these stickers, we hope to clarify that tips for good service are allowed and appreciated,” said Uber driver Ronny Paulino. “Tipping makes a huge difference for drivers. When I drove for a service that allowed in-app tipping, those tips were enough to pay my family’s grocery bill for the week.”

Uber passengers pay for their rides through an app, not through cash, but currently the app does not allow passengers the option to tip their drivers. While Uber competitors, including other apps and taxis, give passengers the flexibility to tip in the app or on their credit card payment screen, Uber does not. This has led to fewer tips and confusion for passengers, some of whom have told drivers that they weren’t sure if tipping was permitted — or already included in the fare.

Other passengers tell drivers they wish they could tip in the app. In-app tipping makes tipping faster and easier for passengers. Part of Uber’s appeal is the ability to pay without spending time on a cash or credit card transaction in the vehicle and many passengers apologetically tell drivers that they can’t tip because they don’t have cash.

“With the Guild providing workers a direct line to Uber management, drivers can create real change that puts more dollars in their pockets. Making tipping easier is one way we can do that,” added Conigliaro, Jr. “We are committed to continuing the fight for policies that help Uber drivers make a fair living, while continuing to provide reliable and affordable rides.”

As part of the tipping campaign, the Guild will do community outreach as well as launch a petition and social media campaign this summer to show Uber there is both passenger and driver support for an in-app tipping function.

Since the launch of the Independent Drivers Guild in May, the Guild has taken a number of steps to stand up for drivers. The IDG has helped drivers bring concerns about deactivation to Uber’s attention. Simply by flagging deactivation concerns for Uber, the IDG has helped get drivers reinstated and will help more appeal their deactivations at the first hearing scheduled for late July. Additionally, the IDG has raised concerns about driver support from Uber management, including an inability to get support personnel on the phone in a timely manner. As a result, Uber has taken steps and made commitments to improve communications.

All New York City Uber drivers are represented by the IDG and can receive tipping stickers as well as access to expert deactivation representation and discounts on important benefits, including insurance and roadside assistance. Drivers who wish to learn more about the IDG can visit DrivingGuild.org or text DRIVE to 64336 to learn more (msg and data rates may apply).

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Labor agreement sets new standard for worker representation and benefits in the on-demand economy

International Association of Machinists (IAM) District 15 forms “Independent Drivers Guild” to represent all current and future drivers using Uber in New York City

Uber and IAM to jointly push for new state legislation to level the tax playing field for drivers, with money going back to drivers and the creation of a new benefits fund

NEW YORK – The International Association of Machinists (IAM) District 15 and Uber today announced an agreement through which IAM will represent all current and future for-hire vehicle drivers using Uber in New York City. Under the five-year agreement, IAM has formed an affiliate, the Independent Drivers Guild (drivingguild.org), to give the 35,000 drivers using the app a strong voice as well as new protections and benefits. This demonstrates Uber’s ongoing commitment to improving communications and building a more productive relationship with drivers.

For twenty years, IAM District 15 has been a leading advocate for drivers in New York City, and to date is the only group to have successfully represented black car drivers. The Uber-IAM agreement will ensure drivers using Uber have a higher standard of protections and support than other independent contractors.

Under the terms of the agreement, drivers will participate in meetings with Uber management on a regular basis, which will give them an additional voice and the ability to discuss the issues that matter most to them. Drivers in New York City will also now have the ability to appeal certain deactivation decisions, in addition to the protections afforded them by Uber’s new national deactivation policy.

Drivers appealing a deactivation decision will have the opportunity to sit down with a panel of highly rated and experienced peers who will hear the appeal and vote whether to uphold or reverse the decision. Drivers can have Guild representation in these deactivation appeal proceedings.

Drivers will also gain access to discounted legal services, life and supplemental disability insurance, education courses and roadside assistance, along with an online worker center, providing a central hub for driver assistance and resources.

This agreement is a result of conversations and negotiations initiated by IAM in late 2015.

In addition, the Machinists Union and Uber will campaign for a level playing field—with rides on Uber, taxi and private hire being taxed at the same rate for the first time. This would not only mean more money for drivers, it would also free up resources for a new benefits fund administered by the Guild in consultation with drivers, which could include paid time off, a legal defense fund, a disability fund, retirement savings accounts or an immigration assistance fund.

Also announced today, Freelancers Union will serve as a key advisor to Uber on how to best bring portable benefits to independent workers in the on-demand economy. The 300,000-member Freelancers Union provides affordable, portable benefits to independent workers and has a long history of building complex, networked platforms and solutions to help workers pool resources and achieve healthcare stability. The Independent Drivers Guild plans to utilize this resource to explore bringing benefits to drivers using Uber in New York.

James Conigliaro, Jr., Independent Drivers Guild Founder said:

“For the first time, drivers using Uber are coming together to form a drivers’ guild that will give them a seat at the table with Uber management and critical new protections and benefits. Forming this Guild is crucial for thousands of drivers who need a stronger voice and gives organized labor an opportunity to shape the new economy in a way that supports and values workers and their families.”

David Plouffe, Uber Chief Advisor and Board Member said:

“Drivers are the heart and soul of Uber. This agreement with the International Association of Machinists will offer protections that are designed to match the independence and flexibility they have come to rely on. We’re committed to working with and supporting the driver community.”

Sara Horowitz, Freelancers Union Founder and Executive Director said:

“We have an opportunity today to create an innovative solution for one of the most pressing problems facing freelancers, and to bring stability and protections to independent work. The workforce is changing and it’s our job to make sure our safety net keeps pace. I commend the Machinists for taking this important step.”

James Conigliaro, Sr., General Vice President, IAM International said:

“For nearly twenty years, I have personally been involved in a campaign to better the lives of black car workers in NYC. While we’ve made significant achievements in the past, the Independent Drivers Guild is an historic leap forward. The guild is bringing together more drivers than ever before to advocate for benefits and fairness in the workplace. In negotiating the first guild for drivers using Uber, the Machinists are not only standing up for the 35,000 drivers in New York, but also blazing a trail for workers and unions across the country.”

Mario Cilento, President, New York State AFL-CIO said:

“Today’s agreement between Uber and the Machinists represents a giant step forward for workers in the sharing economy. This will not only raise industry standards, it will give for-hire drivers a voice and ensure due process. I look forward to this agreement being a catalyst for change in kickstarting the broader conversation around labor and technology.”

Vincent Alvarez, President, New York City Central Labor Council said:

“I commend the Machinists for taking this important step to ensure that for-hire drivers benefit from all the dignities, rights, and protections they deserve. Through this landmark agreement, drivers using Uber will enjoy the highest standard of support in the industry.”

Rev. Al Sharpton, President and Founder of National Action Network and National Civil Rights Leader said:

“Today’s historic agreement is a victory for the hardworking individuals who form the bedrock of the innovation economy. This agreement should set a national example for ensuring that workers’ rights are not only protected, but also that their voices are rightly heard and valued as instrumental to the success of the sharing economy.”

Muhammed Barlas, Former IAM Union Member, Current Uber Driver-Partner said:

“Being an independent driver comes with perks—like freedom and flexibility—but also real challenges. Back in 1999, I joined the Machinists union and they fought to give us the kinds of protections and benefits many workers in other industries take for granted. I was glad to have the union in my corner then and I am glad they are standing up for me and all of New York’s drivers now.”

Bassam Assaad, Uber Driver-Partner said:

“As a driver, I work really hard to provide for myself and my family. I love that Uber gives me the opportunity to be my own boss and set my own hours, and this new agreement helps me feel more secure. I thank the Machinists for giving me a voice to discuss my needs as a driver-partner and I look forward to my continuing my relationship with the company.”