Over the past year, rideshare drivers in Chicago have confronted numerous difficulties, including app deactivations and immigration raids. In response, the city is initiating a program aimed at providing support to these drivers. This effort, managed by the nonprofit People’s Lobby Education Institute, commences on Monday and will continue for at least a year.
Miguel Campos, director of the city’s Office of Labor Standards, emphasized the vital role this group of workers plays in Chicago. “This specific subset of workers plays an important role in the city, and we want to ensure that they are as successful as they can be,” he stated. As reported in May, approximately 87,000 individuals were registered as drivers for rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft within the city. Additionally, 13,000 drivers were licensed as “public chauffeurs,” which covers taxis, limos, pedicabs, and sightseeing vehicles like tour buses.
Lori Simmons, lead gig organizer at the People’s Lobby Education Institute, highlighted plans to offer education and training on various issues impacting drivers. “A lot of drivers really have no idea what their rights are,” Simmons noted. When rideshare drivers face unfair app deactivations, the center will provide resources for assistance. Campos added that drivers feeling shortchanged on incentive pay, such as bonuses for a specific number of rides, might also receive help. “We do have an ability, case by case… to consider that to be a form of wage theft under city ordinance,” Campos said, stressing the importance of such information.
The initiative includes orientation materials for new drivers, covering topics like handling accidents or dealing with aggressive passengers. Simmons explained that drivers would receive guidance on maximizing earnings and tracking expenses and mileage. Additionally, the program offers immigration resources, especially pertinent during last year’s immigration crackdown by President Donald Trump. Federal agents targeted parking lots near O’Hare International Airport, where drivers frequently wait for passengers. Despite efforts to halt these raids, such as posting signs prohibiting immigration enforcement on city property, arrests by Border Patrol persisted.
Although the resource center isn’t a direct reaction to the airport incidents, Campos expressed hope for helping drivers connect with immigration resources. The center will also keep drivers informed about legislative changes. This year, Illinois lawmakers passed a bill allowing rideshare drivers to form unions, awaiting approval from Gov. JB Pritzker.
Funded with $250,000 for its first year, the program has two options for extension if resources permit. Mayor Brandon Johnson affirmed Chicago’s commitment to workers’ rights, stating, “Chicago continues to lead the way in advancing workers’ rights and protections. The Driver Resource Center is now a reality, and it will ensure that Public Chauffeurs have access to critical resources, education, and support.”
If drivers seek assistance, they can contact the resource center by texting or leaving a voicemail at 312-779-6890, emailing [email protected], or visiting the website chicago.gov/drc.