A New York City Council bill seeking to limit how e-hail apps can boot drivers from their platforms has sparked a misinformation campaign by Lyft, according to local lawmakers and activists. The proposed legislation, which is sponsored by Councilmember Shekar Krishnan of Queens, would require due process for drivers accused of wrongdoing before they’re kicked off apps like Uber and Lyft. The companies would be required to give drivers two weeks’ notice before deactivating their accounts, unless they’re accused of “egregious misconduct.”
Under current regulations, the companies can immediately revoke drivers’ access to the apps, even for minor infractions – like looking at their phone too often – leaving them without explanation for their termination until the decision is appealed.
For years, drivers have accused Uber and Lyft of temporarily kicking them off the platforms to skirt the city’s minimum wage requirements. Driver advocates said deactivations are just another way the apps avoid spending money on their drivers.
In an email to New York City users in September, Lyft claimed the legislation would force it to keep drivers on the road accused of “sexual harassment, reckless driving or other offenses.” The company also sent local drivers an email that said the proposal “could put our community at risk and damage the trust that helps sustain a healthy marketplace for your earnings.”
Krishnan said the bill would still allow Lyft to boot dangerous drivers or people accused of crimes on the job – but it would require the companies to provide due process for drivers before they’re barred from the apps. This would include a panel of arbitrators made up of both driver-side and company-side representatives.
Lyft spokesperson CJ Macklin argued that the bill’s language is too vague to allow the company to swiftly deactivate drivers accused of serious offenses.
In June, NYC’’s Taxi & Limousine Commission passed rules requiring the apps to give 72 hours’ notice before temporarily locking drivers out of their accounts.
While Lyft argues the proposed rules are too vague for determining how a driver would be deactivated from its platform, driver advocates say their public opposition reflects a tactic by the company to limit drivers’ power and autonomy.
Source: Gothamist
