Can app drivers make a union?
Yes. Drivers can work together to ask for better rules and pay.

Do I have to join a union?
No. Joining is your choice. You can join or not join.

Will Uber or Lyft punish me if I join or if I don’t join?
No. Uber and Lyft cannot punish you for your choice.
No deactivation, no lockouts, no fewer trips because you support or do not support a union.

Can I support or oppose a union openly?
Yes. You are free to speak, meet, and organize for or against a union.
You should not be threatened for your opinion.

Can organizers say, “If you don’t support us, you won’t get benefits later”?
No. No group can lie or threaten you to force support.
Benefits come from the process and the final agreement, not from whether you signed a card.

What is an “authorization card”?
It’s a paper or online form that says, “I support this driver group.”
You do not have to sign.
If you signed already, you can change your mind and take it back. No one can punish you for that.

If a union is chosen, do I have to be a member or pay dues?
No. Membership and dues are voluntary.
Dues can be taken only if you gave written permission.
You can stop dues later by following the steps on your form.

If I’m not a member, will the union still help me?
Yes. If a union becomes the representative for drivers, it must represent all drivers in the group - members and non-members - fairly.

Can drivers make their own driver group instead of joining another one?
Yes. Drivers can self-organize and build their own group or movement.

How does a driver group become the official representative?
A group can become the representative if it gets enough support cards, or by an election where drivers vote.
(Details are set by the state process.)

Can drivers remove a union later?
Yes. Drivers can start a vote to decertify (remove) a union if they no longer want it.

What if Uber, Lyft, or any group retaliates (punishes) me?
Retaliation is not allowed. Keep records (screenshots, recordings, messages, dates).
You can file a complaint with the state. There are remedies.

Fast Facts

• Joining a union is optional.

• You can support or oppose any group.

• No threats. No lies. No retaliation.

• You can sign a card or take it back later.

• Dues need your written OK. You can stop them later.

• A union (if chosen) must treat everyone fairly - members or not.

• Drivers can make their own group.

• Drivers can remove a union through a vote.

Can drivers or anyone stop AVs from coming?

No. Technology will keep moving forward, and AVs are part of that progress. Instead of wasting time and energy fighting to block them (we can’t), drivers should focus on how AVs are introduced, that will slow down the rollout to make sure it’s done safely, fairly, and with protections for workers.

Why should AVs still have human drivers or safety operators?

Because AVs can:

• Malfunction or misread real-world hazards.

• Be vulnerable to hacking or software errors.

• Struggle with unusual road situations.

Having a licensed driver or trained safety operator on board ensures:

• Public safety

• Emergency decision-making

• Passenger confidence

What about passengers who need extra help?

Not every rider can use a fully driverless service without assistance.
Examples:

• Seniors who need help getting in/out of the car

• People with disabilities

• Tourists who need local guidance

• Parents with kids or luggage

Policy idea: Require AV operators to have a human attendant or driver-assist role for these trips.

Won’t AVs take away thousands of driver jobs?

If rolled out without rules, yes. That’s why drivers need to push for:

• Job retention quotas (keeping a large percentage of trips human-operated)

• Drivers Retraining programs (funded by AV companies) for roles like safety operator, fleet maintenance, or dispatch

How can AV companies help displaced drivers?

Since AV companies will save/make billions by replacing human labor, they should contribute to:

• Driver Displacement Impact Funds

• Training grants to help drivers shift into new roles in the transportation sector.

Can AVs and human drivers work together?

Yes. The safest approach is a hybrid model, where AV technology assists human drivers rather than replacing them completely. This combines:

• Machine precision

• Human judgment

• Compassion and accountability for passengers

What should drivers ask lawmakers for right now?

• ✅ Require human safety operators in all passenger AVs

• ✅ Protect jobs with retention quotas and retraining programs

• ✅ Fund worker transition support

• ✅ Keep accessibility and safety as top priorities in AV policy

• ✅ Create pathways for drivers to own and operate AVs instead of being shut out by large corporations

Suggested Next Steps, stay tuned as we work to facilitate the following:

1. Contact MassDOT: propose inclusion of safety operators, job retention, and ownership pathways in their testing and deployment guidelines.

2. Reach out to the DPU TNC Division: push for regulations enabling driver ownership/co-ops and accessibility mandates.

3. Engage EOPSS: highlight safety concerns and emphasize the benefits of human oversight.

4. Draft our own proposed legislation: create a driver-led bill that mandates safety operators, secures transitional job protections, and creates funding and pathways for driver ownership of AV fleets.

What was the settlement about?
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell reached a $175 million settlement with Uber and Lyft in June 2024. It resolves a lawsuit over driver misclassification, while drivers remain classified as independent contractors.

What benefits are included?
Drivers gain several new protections and benefits including:

• A guaranteed minimum pay rate of $32.50/hour (rising to $33.48/hour from January 1, 2025), covering "engaged time" (time between accepting a ride and drop‑off)

• Up to 40 hours/year paid sick leave at roughly $20/hour

• Occupational accident insurance - up to $1 million coverage for work-related injuries

• Stipends to purchase health insurance, based on hours worked

• A stipend toward Paid Family and Medical Leave

• A deactivation appeals process and more transparent trip/earnings info in‑app.

Who qualifies for restitution payments?
Drivers (current or former) who completed trips in Massachusetts via the Uber or Lyft driver apps between July 14, 2020 and July 2, 2024, and who drove more than casually (i.e. more than 8 miles/week on average) may qualify.

How much is reserved for driver payments?
Approximately $140 million of the settlement is allocated as restitution back‑pay to eligible drivers.

Do drivers need to file a claim?
No. You do not need to take any action to receive payment. Eligibility and amounts are automatically calculated by the settlement administrator (Rust Consulting). Drivers should not pay anyone to file a claim.

How will I be notified?
Eligible drivers will receive notices (email and/or USPS mail) from Rust Consulting beginning August 1, 2025. The notice confirms your eligibility and explains the process.

When will payments be sent?
Restitution checks are expected to be mailed starting in early fall 2025.

What if I’ve moved or changed my email?
If your contact info changed since driving, you must update your address or email by August 31, 2025 using Rust’s website, hotline (888‑562‑1052) to ensure delivery or visit www.UberLyftMASSAGOSettlement.com

What if I didn’t get a notice but think I’m eligible?
Check your email spam folder for messages from Rust. If unsure, you can contact Rust directly to verify eligibility and address status.

Can I appeal the amount I receive?
No. The restitution calculation is based on driver data submitted by Uber and Lyft according to rules set by the AGO. There is no appeal process for individual payment amounts. If you believe you deserve more, you may request a "right to sue" letter from the AGO to pursue private legal action.

Driver Requirements:

You must be at least 21 years old with a valid U.S. driver’s license.
Have at least 1 year of U.S. driving experience (3 years if under 25).
Pass a background check.
Clean driving record (no major violations)
Vehicle with 4 doors, under 10–15 years old (depending on platform)

Auto insurance that meets Massachusetts minimums

• Every six months, the DPU runs an updated background check on all TNC drivers. It’s important to keep your records clean to avoid deactivation.

• Includes national criminal, motor vehicle, and sex offender databases.

• You’ll be notified when it’s time to renew. Driving is prohibited if expired

• Felonies (within last 7 years)

• Lifetime ban for sex offenses

• DUI/DWI (within last 5 years)

• Major driving violations (reckless driving, hit and run)

Note: If you have any of these but believe they were resolved incorrectly, contact MassDAN for help appealing.

Driving Safely – The Basics:

• Use a dashcam with proper signage (MA is a two-party consent state).

• Keep your phone hands-free. - use a mounted holder for navigation.

• Do not scroll social media, watch videos, or text while driving.

• Always follow speed limits and traffic signals, avoid hard breaking

• Uber riders are responsible for providing and properly installing a car seat for children, in accordance with the state's laws.

1. Check for injuries. Call 911

2. Move to safety.

3. Exchange info. Get names, plates, and insurance.

4. Document everything. Photos of damage, people, and location.

5. Report to Uber/Lyft and your insurance (they offer contingent coverage if the app is on).

6. File a crash report.

• App off: Your personal insurance applies.

• App on, no ride: Limited liability coverage from Uber/Lyft.

• During ride: $1M liability coverage (contingent on your insurance).

Maintain Professional Boundaries:

• Be friendly and respectful but don’t overshare.

• Avoid topics like politics, religion, or personal struggles.

• Don’t argue. If a situation escalates, end the trip safely and report it.

• if intoxicated: Drive only if they are safe and calm. Otherwise, cancel.

• If threatening or vomiting: Cancel ride, report to app, and request cleaning fee.

• If under 18: Minors must be accompanied unless they requested Uber Teens: aged 13-17. Refuse unaccompanied minors - this is a violation that can get you deactivated.

• Use a dashcam.

• Immediately report incidents to Uber or Lyft through the app.

• For deactivation appeal, attend MassDAN's support clinic.

• Keep ratings high

• Drive respectfully and safely

• Don’t share your driver account or allow others to use it

• Respond to report notifications professionally and promptly - If you are not sure how to proceed, please contact MassDAN.

Where are Rideshare pickup locations at Logan?

• Terminals A, C, and E: Pickup takes place in the Central Parking Garage, not curbside. Drivers should follow signs directing to Central Parking/Ride App pick-up zones.
  

• Terminal B: Pickup is on the Departures level (Level 2) of the Terminal B Parking Garage.

Where are Rideshare drop‑off locations?

• Terminals A, C, and E: Drop-offs must go to the Central Parking Garage only - except a brief window curbside morning.
  

• Terminal B: Drop-offs happen at the Terminal B Parking Garage Departures level always.

Is curbside drop‑off ever allowed?

• Yes, only from 4:00 AM–10:00 AM at Terminals A and E on the Arrivals curbside, and only if directed by Uber/Massport as an exception.

• Outside that window, curbside drop-offs are strictly prohibited unless per accessibility needs.

What about accessibility (ADA) pickups and drop‑offs?

• Riders requesting “Accessible Ride App Pick Up” can be picked up curbside at terminal doors regardless of time. The app provides a door number:
  

• Accessible drop‑offs are also allowed at the Departures level curbside anytime if the rider selects the accessibility option.

What happens if I pick up or drop off outside the designated area?

• Violating the designated pick‑up/drop‑off zones may result in a fine for violation and/or possible airport access suspension by Massport.

How does the queue system work at Logan?

• Drivers must enter the official staging/waiting lot near the rental car center while staying online in the Driver App to receive requests.
  

• This activates a first-in‑first‑out (FIFO) queue. Exiting the zone, going offline, or canceling excessive rides drops your place in line.

What vehicle and documentation rules apply?

• You must display the Lyft / Uber vehicle decal on the front and rear passenger side windshields facing outwards. If missing, you risk being denied airport access.
  

• Keep your DPU background check certificate saved on your phone - you may be asked by airport or TNC authorities.

Are there new fees or surcharges at Logan?

• Massport has agreed with Uber/Lyft to introduce a rideshare surcharge of $5.50 each way (still below previously proposed $7.50). This is effective July 2025.

Shared‑ride options will incur a $1.50 shared‑ride surcharge.

Tips for Smooth Airport Trips

• Keep your car clean and professional. Airport passengers often expect a higher level of service.

• Use restroom facilities in the staging lot. There are limited amenities nearby.

• Monitor your gas and time. Wait times at the staging lot can vary from 10 minutes to over an hour during low demand.

• Track your queue position in the app so you can plan accordingly.
  

Speed Limits:

• Highways: 55–65 mph

• Urban roads: 25–30 mph

• School zones: 20 mph
  Note: Speeding increases insurance premiums and can get you deactivated after repeat offenses.

Reckless Driving Includes:

• Excessive speeding

• Weaving or tailgating

• Running red lights

• Using a phone in-hand
  Penalties: Fines, license suspension, and possible criminal charges.

Moving Violations:

• Handle tickets promptly

• Contest if necessary

• Inform the platform if it leads to license points

• 3+ violations may trigger driver review

Why Was I Deactivated?

• Failed background check

• Document expiration

• Low driver ratings

• Customer complaint

• Safety concern (even unverified ones)

What Can I Do?

• File a review with Uber/Lyft support

• Gather dashcam footage if applicable

• Contact MassDAN for deactivation support and appeal guidance

Remember: Driving is at-will. Even false accusations can lead to temporary deactivation. Be proactive in protecting yourself.

Earning Tips:

• Focus on peak hours: Weekday rush hours (6-10am) and evening (3-6pm), Friday/Saturday nights, special events

• Use destination filters smartly (to get longer trips home)

• Drive during surge/prime time and bad weather (if safe)

• Keep your car clean and well-scented

• Provide charging cables (optional, but appreciated)

Avoid These Mistakes:

• Too many cancellations or no-shows

• Ignoring pings during busy times

• Poor attitude with passengers

• Inconsistent online presence (e.g., disappearing mid-shift)

Must-Have Tools:

• Hands-free phone mount

• Phone charger

• Dashcam (with signage!)

• Paper towels or wipes (for spills)

• Pen & notepad (for accidents)

Join the Community:
📍 Mass Driver Action Network (MassDAN)

• Advocacy, deactivation support, organizing

• Weekly Deactivation Support:
  🌐 massdan.org

Driving for Uber and Lyft is more than just a job - it’s your business. Protect it like one.

🚗 Need help with your account?
🚫 Deactivated unfairly?
🔎 Questions about your rights?
👉 Contact massdan.org - You are not alone.