Chicago Launches Initiative to Support Rideshare Drivers

In the last year, rideshare drivers in Chicago have confronted numerous challenges such as app deactivations and immigration raids. To address these issues, the city has launched an initiative aimed at assisting drivers. The nonprofit organization, People’s Lobby Education Institute, will manage the program, commencing on Monday with a planned duration of at least one year.

“These workers are vital to the city, and we want to support their success,” stated Miguel Campos, director of the city’s Office of Labor Standards. As of May, about 87,000 individuals were registered to drive for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft in Chicago. Additionally, there are 13,000 drivers licensed as “public chauffeurs,” including taxi, limo, pedicab, and sightseeing vehicle drivers.

Lori Simmons, lead gig organizer at the People’s Lobby Education Institute, expressed plans to educate and train drivers on various relevant issues. “Many drivers lack awareness of their rights,” Simmons noted. Drivers who face app deactivations they consider unfair can reach out to the center for guidance and resources. Campos highlighted that drivers experiencing issues with incentive pay, such as missed bonuses, might find assistance through the program. “We can, case by case, address these as wage theft under city ordinance,” Campos explained.

The People’s Lobby will provide orientation materials for new drivers. They aim to inform drivers about protocols during incidents like crashes or combative passengers. Additionally, drivers will receive insights on boosting earnings, managing expenses, and tracking mileage. Simmons emphasized that the group will connect drivers with immigration resources, especially following last year’s immigration enforcement actions at O’Hare International Airport.

“Chicago strives to advance workers’ rights and protections,” remarked Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Driver Resource Center will ensure Public Chauffeurs have access to vital resources, education, and support.”

The city aims to inform drivers about legal changes impacting them. Recently passed legislation in Illinois allows rideshare drivers to form unions, pending Governor JB Pritzker’s signature. The resource center has an initial funding of $250,000 for one year, with options to extend if further funding is available.

Drivers seeking assistance can contact the resource center by texting or leaving a voicemail at 312-779-6890, emailing [email protected], or visiting the website at chicago.gov/drc.