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Scores of rideshare drivers rallied outside Chicago City Hall to demand accountability from Uber after the company imposed an allegedly unauthorized $1.50 “congestion surcharge” on riders, which according to public reports, was done without City approval or public notice. The rally and press conference, organized by the Illinois Drivers Alliance – a coalition powered by SEIU Local 1 and IAM Local 701 – alongside the Chicago Gig Alliance, urged members of the Chicago City Council to hold formal investigative hearings into Uber’s actions.
During the event, a statement was read on behalf of Alderperson Silverstein announcing that she would be launching investigative hearings through the City Council’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety to uncover how Uber may have allegedly imposed the surcharge outside of city regulations – and if needed, determine how to prevent a recurrence of the alleged charges.
The Statement from 50th Ward Alderwoman Debra Silverstein read: “No company should be allowed to operate in the City of Chicago without transparency and accountability. The unauthorized surcharge imposed by Uber, without the City’s approval or public disclosure, demands answers. That’s why, as Chair of the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety, I will be leading investigative hearings to get to the bottom of how this happened. Our job as alderpeople is to protect the public and ensure that nothing like this ever slips through the cracks again. Chicagoans deserve to know the truth, and drivers deserve fairness. This investigation, alongside the push for the Rideshare Living Wage and Safety Ordinance, is a critical step toward restoring trust and putting real guardrails on the industry.”
“These unregulated rideshare corporations are reaping millions in profits off the backs of Chicago workers—while siphoning that revenue out of our city. These profits are generated here, by the people who live and work in Chicago. It’s time to hold these companies accountable and ensure that the wealth created in Chicago stays in Chicago,” said Ronnie Gonzalez, IAM Midwest Territory Special Representative. “The people of Chicago have a right to transparency, and rideshare drivers have a right to dignity and fair treatment. We support this investigation and the Rideshare Living Wage and Safety Ordinance. We’re glad to be part of the turning point in rideshare—bringing accountability to an industry that has operated without limits for too long.”
“Rideshare companies don’t take us into account when it comes to prices, standards, safety, or any other decision that directly affects us and we deserve to be heard,” said Clyde Marshall, a Chicago area rideshare driver. “Uber just upcharged passengers a congestion fee, and the drivers didn’t see a dime while we were the ones who face the customers and drive in the congestion. That’s why I am here today with the Illinois Drivers Alliance fighting for our right to fair representation with a union.”
Drivers also reiterated their call for the passage of the Rideshare Living Wage and Safety Ordinance, a critical measure that not only addresses pay and safety but also creates enforceable transparency standards to prevent future abuses in the rideshare industry.
