Statement from the founder of the Independent Drivers Guild, Jim Conigliaro, Jr. on today’s FTC announcement of a $20 million Uber driver refund:
The reality of being a ridesharing driver is a far cry from the rosy picture these apps describe and it is encouraging to see the FTC take them to task and refund drivers. Companies like Uber shift cost, risk, and burden onto drivers and taxpayers when they fail to provide the basic benefits so many Americans take for granted, from health insurance to sick leave. On top of that, drivers are stuck with the bill for their vehicle, gas, repairs, maintenance, insurance, the list goes on. Drivers deserve the fair pay they were promised, tips like other workers in the service economy, and unbiased data on the earnings and expenses of ridesharing. It’s time for Uber to ease this burden on drivers. It’s time to give working drivers a raise.
Jim Conigliaro Jr. is the founder of the Independent Drivers Guild and serves as general counsel and a director of the International Association of Machinists District 15.The Guild represents and advocates for the more than 45,000 Uber drivers in New York City.
For any media inquiries, please contact Moira Muntz at press@drivingguild.org