Share this @internewscast.com

Uber and Lyft agreed to pay a combined $328 million to settle allegations the ride-hailing companies unlawfully withheld wages from drivers and failed to provide mandatory paid sick leave in New York state, Attorney General Letitia James’ office said Thursday.

Uber will pay $290 million and Lyft will pay $38 million. The state AG’s office said it’s the largest wage-theft settlement it’s won.

The money will go to drivers affected by the companies’ alleged practices. More than 100,000 drivers in New York could be eligible to receive the funds and benefits secured under the agreements, James’ office said. Drivers will be notified by mail, email or text about how to file a claim.

“For years, Uber and Lyft systemically cheated their drivers out of hundreds of millions of dollars in pay and benefits while they worked long hours in challenging conditions,” James said in a statement. “This settlement will ensure they finally get what they have rightfully earned and are owed under the law. My office will continue to make sure that companies operating in the so-called ‘gig economy’ do not deprive workers of their rights or undermine the laws meant to protect them.” 

The settlements, which resolve multiyear investigations, reflect the companies’ latest concessions in a standoff with regulators across the country about the level of oversight they should receive and what they owe their drivers. Uber and Lyft have previously fought efforts to reclassify their workers from contractors to employees, for example, a change they said most of their workers opposed.

Uber’s settlement represents more than 3% of the $9.23 billion in revenue it generated last quarter. And Lyft’s settlement comes to nearly 4% of the $1.02 billion in revenue it reported.

The companies also agreed to ongoing changes in how they pay drivers and offer benefits in the Empire State.

The AG’s office alleged the companies incorrectly deducted charges from drivers’ wages that should have instead been charged to passengers. For example, the office said that from 2014 to 2017 Uber deducted sales taxes and Black Car Fund fees from drivers’ paychecks and misrepresented that it would do so in its terms of service. And Lyft, the AG alleged, deducted an 11.4% administrative charge that equaled the amount of the sales tax and Black Car Fund fees between 2015 and 2017.

Both companies also failed to provide paid sick leave as required under state and New York City law, James alleged.

Under the agreements, Uber and Lyft will be required to give drivers outside of New York City a guaranteed earning minimum of $26 per hour, which will be adjusted each year for inflation. The minimum rate would apply from “dispatch to completion of the ride,” according to a press release from the AG’s office. Drivers in New York City already receive guaranteed minimum earnings under local regulations.

Drivers also will get guaranteed paid sick leave in New York state. For every 30 hours worked, they’ll be able to earn one hour of sick pay up to 56 hours per year, the AG’s office said. Both companies will make updates so drivers can request sick leave through the apps, according to the press release.

Uber and Lyft also agreed to give drivers compensation breakdowns, the AG’s office said. The companies will have to notify drivers how much a rider paid for each ride and give drivers an in-app chat tool to discuss earnings and work conditions. Uber and Lyft also must allow drivers to appeal deactivation from their platforms.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
No CTA trains will run on Chicago Loop elevated rails this weekend for track work, including Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines

Chicago Loop Train Shutdown: No CTA Service on Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink Lines This Weekend Due to Track Maintenance

Attention, commuters! This weekend, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced a…
Cheerleader dies after being shot at high school bonfire, remembered for having 'spunk to her step'

Tragic Loss: Beloved Cheerleader Fatally Shot at High School Bonfire, Celebrated for Her Spirited Legacy

Tragedy struck a high school gathering in Pinson, Alabama, when a young…
Los Angeles teacher says ICE agents are 'not the only ones with guns' following shooting of federal agent

Los Angeles Teacher Sparks Controversy with Bold Statement on Guns After ICE Agent Shooting

A Los Angeles high school history teacher, who is a prominent voice…
Howard University professor calls on White political allies to emulate vigilante mass murderer

Howard University Professor Urges White Allies to Reflect on Controversial Vigilante Actions

A professor from Howard University known for her far-left views has stirred…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
'Chicago P.D.' star Patrick John Flueger takes sudden leave of absence

Chicago P.D. Star Patrick John Flueger Announces Unexpected Leave of Absence: What Fans Need to Know

Adam Ruzek is stepping away from the Intelligence Unit — at least…
Dad finds 13-year-old son dead after 200-foot fall from bluff inside popular National Park site

Tragic National Park Accident: Father Discovers Son’s Fatal 200-Foot Fall

In a heart-wrenching incident in Arkansas over the weekend, a father discovered…
Wyoming Capitol bomb investigators focus on men seen in security video

Investigators Zero In on Individuals Captured in Security Footage in Wyoming Capitol Bomb Probe

Investigators in Wyoming are on the hunt for two individuals suspected of…
NYC mayoral candidates clash bitterly during final debate

Final NYC Mayoral Debate Sparks Heated Exchanges Among Candidates

NEW YORK (AP) — During the heated final debate in New York…
Shelters offer free adoptions at Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival this weekend

Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival: Free Adoptions This Weekend to Find Forever Homes for Pets

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) are…
Massie Faces Trump-Backed Primary Challenge Kentucky Race

Massie vs. Trump: High-Stakes Showdown in Kentucky’s Pivotal Primary Race

Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is preparing for a fierce primary battle…
Australian prime minister's plane makes emergency landing in St. Louis after leaving Washington

Australian Prime Minister’s Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing in St. Louis Following Departure from Washington

On Tuesday night, a flight carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had…