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After months of hard work, Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) members driving for Uber in New York City were successful in their petition with Taxi and Limousine Commission to force Uber to allow in-app tipping.
The IDG petitioned the professional drivers governing body to require all ride-hail apps, such as Uber, to offer an in-app tipping option. IDG estimates the breakthrough will bring an additional $300 million per year for New York City drivers.
The ruling follows a grassroots effort by members of the IDG by calling and emailing the TLC. More than 50 IDG members testified at a TLC hearing, demanding action from the commission to approve the tipping rule and protect drivers’ wages from the exploitative practices of ride-hail companies.
“Today’s decision is a vitally important step forward for drivers,” said IDG founder and IAM Eastern Territory Chief of Staff Jim Conigliaro, Jr. “In-app tipping will mean a raise of hundreds of millions of dollars for New York City drivers each year. Drivers have long been denied access to the kinds of benefits and labor protections many workers take for granted, such as paid sick leave or the minimum wage.”
The Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) is an affiliate of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers which represents and advocates for more than 50,000 ride-hail drivers in New York City.
