Over the past year, Chicago rideshare drivers have encountered numerous challenges, including app deactivations and immigration raids. In response, the city is introducing an initiative to offer drivers assistance. The program, run by the nonprofit People’s Lobby Education Institute, begins Monday and will operate for at least one year.
“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,” stated Miguel Campos, director of Chicago’s Office of Labor Standards. As of May, approximately 87,000 workers had registered to drive for rideshare platforms such as Uber and Lyft in Chicago. Additionally, there are 13,000 drivers licensed as public chauffeurs, a category that includes taxi, limousine, pedicab, and sightseeing vehicle drivers.
Lori Simmons, who leads gig organization efforts at the People’s Lobby Education Institute, announced plans to provide education and training on a variety of issues affecting drivers. “A lot of drivers have no idea what their rights are,” Simmons explained. For example, drivers who face app deactivation and believe it was unfair can contact the center. They will receive guidance on accessing resources, addressing an issue drivers have organized against for years.
Campos noted drivers might find assistance if they believe they are shortchanged on incentive pay, such as bonuses offered for completing a certain number of rides. “We have the ability, case by case, to consider that a form of wage theft under city ordinance,” Campos said. “That’s the type of information we want drivers to know.”
The People’s Lobby also intends to offer orientation materials for newcomers, covering scenarios like crashes or managing combative passengers. Drivers will also receive advice on maximizing earnings and tracking expenses and mileage. Simmons added that the group will connect drivers with immigration resources, addressing last year’s immigration enforcement at Chicago parking lots.
During President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, federal agents targeted areas near O’Hare International Airport, where rideshare drivers waited for passengers. Despite signage at parking lots indicating that immigration enforcement was prohibited on city-owned property, Border Patrol agents continued their operations.
Campos emphasized the new resource center was not a direct response to airport raids. However, the city hopes the program will still provide drivers with valuable immigration resources. Additionally, the center will keep drivers informed about law changes affecting their work. Notably, recent legislation in Illinois permits rideshare drivers to form unions, pending Governor JB Pritzker’s signature.
The resource center’s budget is set at $250,000 for its first year, with two possible one-year extensions if funding permits. “Chicago continues to lead the way in advancing workers’ rights and protections,” stated Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Driver Resource Center now ensures Public Chauffeurs have access to essential resources, education, and support. As the industry and technology evolve, we prioritized shared benefits for rideshare drivers.”
Drivers can seek assistance from the resource center by texting or leaving voicemails at 312-779-6890. They can also email [email protected]. More information is available on the resource center website at chicago.gov/drc.
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