NEW YORK, USA: DRIVERS WIN!! $500 Million Back-pay + $40/H Mininum

In a historic win, Uber and Lyft have agreed to pay more than $500 million (USD$328M) to more than 100,000 current and former drivers in New York as part of a settlement over wage theft claims. This is the largest wage-theft settlement ever won by the attorney general's office and a major win for the New York Taxi Workers Alliance union.

For years, we have been fighting for our rights as drivers, working long hours in challenging conditions to provide a vital service to our communities. We have been cheated out of our hard-earned pay and benefits by the major apps, who keep all important information secret, control us like employees, but refuse to recognise any of our workers' rights.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the union and the support of Attorney General Letitia James, drivers have finally achieved some justice. The settlement funds will be distributed to eligible drivers who file a claim.

The settlement also includes important improvements to working conditions for rideshare drivers in New York including:

• An earnings floor of $40 per hour (USD$26) for drivers outside New York City, adjusted annually for inflation (NYC guarantees already apply).
• Paid sick leave - one hour sick pay for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 56 hours per year. Sick leave will be able to be requested via the apps.
• Proper hiring notices and earnings statements. Drivers will receive clear and accurate information about earnings and the terms of work. They will also be notified of the amount paid by the rider after each ride.
• In-app chat support in multiple languages. Drivers will be able to ask questions and get help through the apps in their own language, reducing confusion and misunderstandings.
• Appeal rights for deactivations. Drivers will be able to challenge any unfair or arbitrary removals from the platforms.

These are significant changes that will make a difference in drivers' lives and their families. We congratulate the union and the driver solidarity, which made this possible. We are also grateful to Attorney General James, who stood by drivers and fought for workers rights.