Photo by Emmanuel Kontokalos on Unsplash
From Lexology, Jeffrey H. Ruzal and Carly Baratt report that New York City has set minimum rates for ride sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft. They write:
On December 4, 2018, New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (“TLC”) voted to require ride-hailing companies operating in New York City to compensate its drivers who are treated as independent contractors, and not employees, on a per-minute and –mile payment formula, which will result in a $17.22 per hour wage floor.
This new rule is scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2018.
This new minimum wage for independent contractor drivers who operate vehicles on behalf of ride-hailing companies – including Uber, Lyft, Via, and Juno – will surpass the new $15 minimum wage for many New York City-based employees, which will also take effect on December 31, 2018.
This appears to be the first time a government entity has imposed wage rules on privately owned ride-hailing companies.
The main reason for this new requirement is that independent contractor drivers are often required to cover their own expenses that affects their hour wages.
Prior to this rule, ride-hailing app-based drivers were reportedly paid an average of $11.90 per hour (after deducting expenses), which resulted in drivers complaining of severe financial hardship. According to TLC Chair Meera Joshi, this rule would increase driver earnings by an average of $10,000 a year. Joshi also stated that traditional yellow taxicab drivers already earn on average at least $17.22 per hour pursuant to separate regulations.
Read the full story at New York City Sets Minimum Wage for Independent Contractors of Ride-Hailing Companies – Lexology
