APRIL 2026 NEWSLETTER: UPDATES FROM THE INDEPENDENT DRIVERS GUILD
Gas Prices Rise: Another Reason Why Drivers Need A Union
As gas prices increase throughout the United States, drivers are facing the crushing reality of working longer hours to make up for doubling expenses. Uber and Lyft are not pitching in to make up the difference, so drivers are either being forced to work more per week, or take home significantly less earnings.
Earlier this month, IDG member and Queens-based driver Anup Baniya opened up to the New York Times to expose a reality most never see: About half of every fare never even reaches the driver. After Uber and Lyft’s cut, government fees, and basic expenses, Anup’s take-home pay was just $25,000 last year — working full-time. This is the case for hundreds of thousands of drivers working full-time across the country.
This is why the Independent Drivers Guild and our members will continue to fight for drivers to have the right to form a union. We deserve the ability to negotiate higher wages and benefits to keep up with the growing expenses of working as a driver day to day. We will continue fighting until every driver has a voice at the bargaining table.
Fight Waymo and Protect Our Jobs Across the Nation
Thank you to all the IDG members who helped us reach our goal of 10,000 signatures against driverless vehicles in New York. One of our members also recently spoke on a panel outlining the growing driver concerns over driverless vehicles. We are continuing to fight back. Now, we’re on a mission to build our petition signatures in additional states.
Add your name to demand an immediate halt to Waymo’s self-driving car testing in Jersey City, Miami, and beyond, and stop all autonomous vehicle testing across the country. We must move quickly to protect driver jobs and our communities.
Sign your state’s petition here:
New York Drivers: Health Navigation Service (HNS) Helps You Take Control of Your Health
The Health Navigation Service is only available to eligible drivers who live in New York City and surrounding areas, and – once you enroll in Drivers Benefits by The Black Car Fund – it gives you personalized care and support that includes:
- Health Insurance Support: Get help understanding your coverage or how to enroll in an affordable plan if you’re uninsured.
- An Initial Health Assessment: Receive a comprehensive exam at a participating ModernMD location to get a clear snapshot of your health.
- Continued Care Visits: Schedule follow-up visits with your primary doctor or at Doral Health & Wellness (H&W) for ongoing care, including diagnostics and prescriptions.
Don’t Delay – Enroll Today! If you have any more questions, or would like to register for free over the phone, call the Driver Support Team at 1-929-419-0390 anytime between Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. ET – 8 p.m. ET.
IDG Drivers: New Health Program Built for Drivers!
*NEW* – The Worker Healthy Living Program (WHLP) is a health and wellness program designed just for drivers like you. We focus on chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity-related health concerns, as well as sleep and stress issues that disproportionately impact rideshare drivers.
With WHLP, you get a powerhouse care team behind you providing:
- One-on-one physician support
- Customized health plan to help you reach your goals
- Access to nutrition guidance from a dietitian
- A dedicated health coach, fitness classes, and more
The Worker Healthy Living program is flexible and adapts to your needs. You can join whichever sessions work best for you and focus on the ones that are most useful.Your visits with the doctor, health coach, and registered dietitian are provided at no cost to you. ENROLL NOW.
IDG New Jersey Members Looking for Some Security?
Life and AD&D Insurance Now Available for New Jersey Drivers
IDG NJ members, you now have access to $5,000 in Life Insurance and up to $25,000 in Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage through MetLife—effective May 1, 2025, with no waiting period. Coverage applies worldwide and includes natural causes, accidents, and more. Need to file a claim or want to confirm you are a member? Call 1-800-333-5440.
The Independent Drivers Guild Wishes Everyone a Happy Easter
The Independent Drivers Guild sends heartfelt Easter greetings to all drivers and their loved ones celebrating this season. We honor the commitment and resilience you show every day as you juggle work, family, and faith. May this Easter bring renewal, hope, and moments of joy with those who matter most. As always, IDG stands alongside you, fighting for the fair pay, respect, and dignity every driver deserves. We’re proud to be in community with you during this time of reflection, generosity, and togetherness. Wishing you all a joyful holiday filled with peace, health, and new beginnings.
Get support
New York Office Hours & Weekly Outreach
IDG’s NYC office is bigger and better than ever! Visit us:
New York Independent Drivers Guild
41-09 36th St #3
Queens, NY 11101
Monday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM
New Jersey Office Hours
New Jersey Independent Drivers Guild
110 Fieldcrest Avenue, 3rd Floor
Edison, New Jersey 08837
Monday – Friday : 10AM to 6PM
Outreach at Newark Airport
Tuesday: 10AM to 4PM
Wednesday: 10AM to 4PM
Illinois Office Hours
IL Drivers! Have you visited our office yet? Come in and get support!
Illinois Independent Drivers Guild
114 W Higgins Rd
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Monday 10AM – 7PM
Tuesday – Thursday 10AM – 4PM
Friday 10AM – 2PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Not in CT, IL, NJ, FL, or NY? Contact us here to speak with organizers about next steps. Reach out today – let’s organize in your state!
You can now read previous editions of the IDG Member Newsletter here!
*Terms and conditions apply – Click here: ny.driversbenefits.org for more details on eligibility rules and benefits requirements.
**While supplies last.
1You must meet Eligibility Requirements* to be enrolled in Drivers Benefits. An eligible driver is either:
(i) a driver who is registered with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (NYC TLC) as a driver for a Black Car service and who, for initial eligibility, has provided service to passengers for at least twenty (20) hours during the past thirty (30) days and, for ongoing eligibility, based on driving-hours data provided by the NYC TLC for the rolling six (6) month prior periods, has provided service to passengers for an average of at least twenty (20) hours per month, with such hours measured from the time a passenger enters a vehicle until such passenger exits the same vehicle, or
(ii) a driver is not registered with the NYC TLC and who qualifies as a Transportation Network Company (TNC) or is affiliated with a dispatch base that is a member of The Black Car Fund and in the prior calendar year has received a gross income of at least $4,000 during the most recent available calendar quarter from the provision of service to passengers in the State of New York. Gross revenue is determined based on income that will be reported on a driver’s Form 1099. These eligibility standards may be changed by The Black Car Fund upon at least 30 days’ notice. Enrolled drivers must continue to meet eligibility requirements to maintain access to the benefits. A Driver shall cease to be an Eligible Driver if said Driver has been found by the Workers’ Compensation Board to be disqualified as a claimant for lost time benefits pursuant to Section 114-a of the New York Workers’ Compensation Law.
*These Eligibility Requirements were last updated and are effective as of April 9, 2026.
