By Kamal Ahmed
The collective force of organized labor has once again demonstrated its power: When workers unite, they can confront even trillion-dollar corporate interests, holding large companies accountable and securing fairer outcomes. The New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) – a 28,000-strong union of taxi and for-hire drivers – has joined forces with the City Council, NYC Department of Consumer & Worker Protection (DCWP), and the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) to advance equity and justice for the city’s estimated 180,000 to 200,000 taxi and app-based drivers. Labor activists representing New York City’s for-hire transportation sector are enjoying added support from Zohran Mamdani, a uniquely “pro-driver” mayor.
Drivers see Mayor Mamdani as a champion of labor, and for good reason: The mayor stood alongside the NYTWA during their 2021 hunger strike, advocating debt forgiveness for medallion owners devastated by the market crash caused, in large part, by Uber and Lyft vehicles that flooded city streets, unchecked. In a symbolic moment, Mamdani arrived at City Hall for his inauguration in a taxi driven by Richard Chow, an alliance member and fellow hunger striker.
Recently, the City Council passed the long-awaited “Intro 276” bill, protecting Uber and Lyft drivers from unjust deactivations. This legislation clears up lingering doubts among industry stakeholders and is seen as a major win for pro-worker advocates. Despite strong support, there were legitimate concerns that it might not pass. On Dec. 31 – his final day in office – Mayor Eric Adams issued 17 vetoes, exceeding the combined number of vetoes issued over the entire previous decade. This unprecedented move cast uncertainty over the future of several legislative efforts – but, thankfully, the legislation is now set to take effect on July 28, marking a significant milestone for drivers’ rights.
Under the new law, ride-hailing companies will be prohibited from deactivating drivers without just cause. Additionally, companies like Uber and Lyft must provide a minimum of 14 days’ notice prior to deactivation, except in cases of “serious misconduct.” Celebrating this landmark achievement, NYTWA Executive Director Bhairavi Desai emphasized that New York City’s for-hire vehicle (FHV) drivers will now have the right to seek compensation for lost wages resulting from unlawful deactivations. This provision ensures that drivers are not left financially vulnerable due to unjust decisions by technology-based ride-hailing companies.
On March 13, a coalition of taxi and app-based drivers (organized by the NYTWA) testified before the City Council Rules Committee during the nomination hearing of Midori Valdivia, who was chosen by Mamdani to Chair the TLC. Drivers expressed cautious optimism, urging the TLC to fully utilize both its moral authority and regulatory powers to address the persistent challenges facing the workforce. The drivers also presented a comprehensive set of recommendations, including an immediate fare increase to offset rising insurance and fuel costs, stronger regulation of the FHV rental market, restructuring of outstanding medallion loans with city-backed guarantees, and the restoration of funds tied to the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) mandate.
“While the hearing focused on the nominee, the day ultimately belonged to the drivers,” noted one participant.
In testimony supporting Valdivia’s nomination to TLC Chair, Desai argued that taxi and for-hire drivers continue to face systemic targeting and mistreatment, as powerful corporate interests and regulatory bodies prioritize profit and control over workers’ rights and livelihoods.
“From multi-million-dollar corporations to billion-dollar giants – and now trillion-dollar players like Waymo – drivers get squeezed at every level,” said Desai. “Whether it’s corporate influence or pressure from regulatory agencies, drivers are too often treated as expendable. We must break the cycle of generational poverty. Drivers deserve to be able to support their families and live a decent life, with dignity – without being forced to work dangerously long shifts 6 or 7 days a week.”
On Feb. 19, Gov. Kathy Hochul withdrew a proposal to expand commercial robotaxi operations outside of NYC, citing insufficient support. Waymo, which has raised almost $16 billion for its global expansion efforts, was significantly impacted by the decision. Other major players – including Tesla and Amazon’s Zoox – have also been advancing autonomous vehicle (AV) initiatives that are raising serious concerns among traditional taxi and for-hire drivers.
The NYTWA welcomed Governor Hochul’s decision, calling it “a prudent step in response to widespread opposition.” The alliance further noted, “We commend Governor Hochul for rejecting the deeply unpopular Waymo robotaxi pilot proposal. Attempts to divide communities and undermine a growing driver-led movement will not succeed. Time and again, tech billionaires have underestimated the collective strength of workers – at their own peril.”
The alliance went on to raise concerns about the unchecked expansion of AV programs. “Waymo controls all data and reporting from its pilot operations and is moving from limited trials to large-scale deployment without adequate safety guardrails.” This expansion mirrors the early rollout of Uber and Lyft in New York City – where operations launched without sufficient regulations, leading to long-term, devastating consequences for workers and urban infrastructure.
Rather than yielding to “trillionaire-driven visions of profit maximization through automation,” policymakers should prioritize accountability, job stability and equitable economic growth, noted the NYTWA. This includes creating family-sustaining employment opportunities, addressing income inequality, promoting accessible and fuel-efficient transportation, and improving working conditions for drivers. The NYTWA also called for a temporary moratorium on AV programs until a comprehensive public impact study is conducted.
On March 19, Valdivia also took a firm stance against unlicensed e-hail platform, “Empower,” citing significant safety and regulatory concerns. “In the event of an accident, who bears responsibility?” asked Valdivia. “I cannot authorize a company to operate in the market if it does not comply with established rules.”
Valdivia noted that Empower currently operates outside the city’s regulatory framework, leaving both drivers and passengers vulnerable – particularly in matters of insurance coverage. She also noted that the company does not contribute to key obligations such as the Black Car Fund or MTA-related fees, and must formally register as a licensed base to legally operate in New York City.
Desai echoed these concerns, stressing that all ride-hailing platforms must be held to the same regulatory standards as Uber and Lyft. While the company advertises that drivers retain 100% of their fares, drivers often don’t realize the tremendous financial risk they are putting themselves in doing work for a company that is operating illegally. Drivers on the platform will not receive workers’ compensation if they are injured on the job and their insurance company can deny their claims if they are involved in an accident. The drivers may also be responsible for paying the additional fees – listed above – that are required by law.
“If these obligations are not met, it undermines critical funding streams that support worker protections and public infrastructure,” explained Desai. “While the model may appear attractive in the short term, it is ultimately unsustainable – and it puts drivers at great risk.”
