DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER: UPDATES FROM THE INDEPENDENT DRIVERS GUILD

Celebrating Driver Power: IDG’s 2024 Year-in-Review

The Independent Drivers Guild is proud to share our 2024 Year-in-Review Video, showcasing the incredible wins and milestones we’ve achieved together this year. From fighting for fair pay and ending app lockouts to securing critical benefits and celebrating historic victories like the Massachusetts driver union win, this year has been a testament to the power of our collective action. The video highlights the progress we’ve made and the stories of drivers who inspire our movement every day.

Watch and relive the moments that made 2024 unforgettable, and help us spread the word by sharing the video with your friends and fellow drivers. Together, we’re building a stronger, united future for app-based workers everywhere!

Thank You for Joining the NYC Driver Caravan to Protect Our Pay

On December 11th, the Independent Drivers Guild led a driver caravan to call on the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission and local leaders for compensation for earnings lost due to app lockouts, stronger protections to prevent future lockouts, a pay increase that reflects NYC’s cost of living, and essential changes like limiting new for-hire vehicle licenses, fair insurance rates, relief stands, and EV charging stations.

We want to thank the hundreds of IDG members who came out in the pouring rain to fight for our rights. But we have to keep fighting. Make sure to sign our petition and share with your coworkers!

Illinois Drivers Night Out: Celebrate the Historic Union Win in Massachusetts and Learn What It Means for Illinois!

On Tuesday, December 10, Illinois drivers came together for an unforgettable evening of celebration at Allegra Banquets in Schiller Park. Hosted by the Independent Drivers Guild Illinois and Justice for App Workers Midwest, the event marked the historic driver union victory in Massachusetts—a groundbreaking win that brings new rights and protections for app-based drivers in the state and a pathway for driver rights across the country.

The energy in the room was inspiring as we shared an important update on union efforts and progress for Illinois drivers, laying the groundwork for future victories. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special evening. Together, we celebrated our collective strength and renewed our commitment to fighting for better rights and protections for drivers in Illinois. Stay tuned for what’s next—our momentum is just getting started!

New York Drivers: Sign Our Petition to Demand Lost Wages from Unfair App Lockouts, Legal Parking, A Pay Increase, And More!

This summer, countless New York City drivers, including many Lyft drivers, were unfairly locked out of the app, leading to significant income losses that impacted families and daily essentials. Now, we’re pushing for change by urging the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to hold Uber and Lyft accountable and protect drivers from these arbitrary disruptions. By signing the Independent Drivers Guild’s petition, you’re joining our call for fair treatment and financial security. This petition demands compensation for lost earnings, stronger protections against future lockouts, a TLC-mandated pay increase, a limit on new FHV driver licenses, fair insurance options, accessible relief stands, EV charging stations, an end to relentless ticketing, and a ban on autonomous vehicles. Stand with us to demand respect, rights, and a fair future for all NYC drivers—sign the petition today!

Florida Rideshare Drivers! Thank You for Coming Out to Demand An End to Fake Accounts, Deactivation Protections, and a Raise

Drivers across Florida rallied this month, calling on Governor DeSantis to take immediate action to ensure safety and security for all Floridians by ending unauthorized, fake Uber and Lyft accounts, protecting drivers from unfair deactivations, and raising wages for Florida drivers. These measures are essential to supporting safety, fairness, and the livelihood of drivers statewide.

Thank you to the IDG members in Miami and Orlando who came out to demand action to protect driver wages and rideshare passengers.

New York Members: Make the Most of Your Dental Coverage!

The Drivers Benefits dental benefit resets on January 1, 2025. That means you only have two months left to enroll and take advantage of your 2024 benefits! Don’t miss out—enroll now and start using your benefits before the end of the year.  

Eligible New York For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) drivers who are enrolled in Drivers Benefits can receive up to $2,000 in dental services each year—at no cost to you!* This incredible program covers 100% of all basic and major restorative care1 when you visit an in-network 2,3  dentist. Plus, you’ll gain access to many other valuable health and wellness benefits, all fully paid for by The Black Car Fund. 

Great news! If you’re already enrolled, you can schedule your dental appointment today to make the most of your benefits. To learn more, explore your benefits, or book your appointment, CLICK HERE or call 1-833-814-8590. Don’t wait—start protecting your smile and your health today! 

Stay Healthy with a Free Flu Shot—Courtesy of IDG for New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Florida, and New York Drivers!

Flu season is here, but Independent Drivers Guild members in New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, Florida, and New York can stay protected with a free flu shot voucher from Drivers Benefits. Redeemable at any Walgreens or Duane Reade pharmacy, vouchers are emailed within one business day of sign-up and cover shots for all ages, including the 65+ formula. No insurance is required, and vouchers are valid until April 1, 2025—supplies are limited, so redeem yours soon! For more information, visit driversguild.org/flushots.

Happy Holidays from the Independent Drivers Guild

As we celebrate the winter holidays, the Independent Drivers Guild is deeply grateful for our incredible members who work tirelessly to keep our communities connected and thriving. This season of giving and togetherness reminds us of the strength and dedication within our driver community, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to fighting for your rights, fair pay, and safe working conditions.

From Hanukkah to Christmas, Eid al-Fitr to Eid al-Adha, Kwanzaa to New Year’s, and every cherished tradition in between, we honor the diversity and resilience of our members. May your holidays be filled with joy, warmth, and the love of family and friends.

Thank you for being a vital part of our journey—together, we are stronger. Happy holidays from all of us at the Independent Drivers Guild!

Get support

New York Office Hours & Weekly Outreach

Holiday Closures

We are closed from December 18 to January 3 and returning to the office on January 6.

IDG’s NYC office is bigger and better than ever! Visit us:

New York Independent Drivers Guild

41-09 36th St #3

Queens, NY 11101

Monday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM

New Jersey Office Hours

Holiday Closures

We are closed from December 18 to January 5.

New Jersey Independent Drivers Guild

110 Fieldcrest Avenue, 3rd Floor

Edison, New Jersey 08837

Tuesday: 10am to 2pm  – IDG NJ Customer Service Class

Thursday: 9am to 6pm

Friday: 9am to 6pm

Outreach at Newark Airport

Tuesday: 10am to 4pm

Wednesday: 10am to 4pm

Connecticut Office Hours

Holiday Closures

We are closed from December 18 to January 5.

Connecticut Independent Drivers Guild

157 Church St

New Haven, CT 06510

Wednesdays from 10AM to 6PM

Illinois Office Hours

Holiday Closures

 We are closed from December 18 to January 5.  

IL Drivers! Have you visited our office yet? Come in and get support!

Illinois Independent Drivers Guild

114 W Higgins Rd

Park Ridge, IL 60068

Monday – Thursday from 10AM to 4PM

Friday from 10 AM to 2PM

Saturday from 10AM to 2PM

Sunday: Closed

Not in CT, IL, NJ, FL or NY? Contact us here to speak with organizers about next steps. Reach out today – let’s organize in your state!

You can now read previous editions of the IDG Member Newsletter here!

*Terms and conditions apply – see ny.driversbenefits.org for more details on eligibility rules and benefits requirements.

1 Preventive services (Type A), Basic Restorative (Type B) and Major Restorative (Type C) are 100% covered when you visit an in- network participating dentist, subject to frequency limitations and $2,000 annual benefit maximum.

2 What you pay for your care may be greater when you visit a dentist who does not participate in the MetLife network.

3 Costs may be incurred if an out-of-network provider is used.