DECEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER: UPDATES FROM THE INDEPENDENT DRIVERS GUILD
Fight Driverless Vehicles 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. Now, we’re on a mission for 20,000!
Add your name to demand an immediate halt to Waymo’s self-driving car testing in NYC, Jersey City, 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:
We’re Standing Up for Driver Breaks and Bathrooms in New York
The Independent Drivers Guild is actively championing Intro 1000, a bill before the New York City Council that would finally guarantee basic bathroom access and legally protected break time for for-hire vehicle drivers. For too long, drivers have been forced to ration water and endure long hours without being able to take a restroom break. This is a health and safety issue that hits hardest in a job where you’re behind the wheel all day and often miles from affordable or accessible facilities.
Without guaranteed break rights and access to restrooms without fear of parking fines or lost earnings, drivers are left with impossible choices between their dignity and their livelihood. Intro 1000 would require reasonable access to restrooms and formalize breaks as part of work conditions, reducing unnecessary congestion and supporting drivers’ wellbeing. Thank you to the IDG members who have come out to rallies and campaigned vigorously to protect our dignity as drivers.
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. Our team-based approach backed by our practical AI-enabled program puts you in the driver’s seat.
With WHLP, you get a powerhouse care team behind you providing:
- One-on-one physician support
- Customized nutrition guidance from a dietician
- A dedicated health coach & fitness classes
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.
Free Flu Shots for IDG Members. Protect Your Health Today!
Free flu shots are back! Getting a flu shot is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu and avoid serious complications if you do get sick. Don’t leave your health to chance. Qualifying IDG Members in all states have been emailed a free flu shot voucher, good at any Walgreens or Duane Reade location through April 15th, 2026.
Free flu shot vouchers are provided by the Independent Drivers Guild. Become a member today and get your free flu shot!
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.
New York Drivers: The Benefits You Rely On – Now With a New Look & App! All Your Benefits in One Easy Place — Download the Drivers Benefits App Today
Accessing your benefits has never been easier. The new Drivers Benefits App gives enrolled drivers instant access to everything they need—from details about your dental, vision, and other benefits, to claim forms and important updates. You’ll receive real-time notifications about changes or additions to the Drivers Benefits Program, so you’re always in the know. The app is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, French, and Chinese.
The app is designed for eligible drivers enrolled in The Black Car Fund’s Drivers Benefits Program. Not enrolled yet? Sign up today to unlock your benefits. Have questions or need help? Call 1-833-814-8590.
Happy Holidays from the Independent Drivers Guild!
This season, we’re celebrating the incredible strength, resilience, and dedication of drivers across the country. We know this is one of the busiest times of the year, and we’re grateful for everything you do to keep our cities moving and our communities connected.
As always, IDG will continue fighting for the pay, protections, and respect that every driver deserves. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, safe, and joyful holiday season.
Get support
IDG office hours may be impacted by the upcoming holidays.
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
Connecticut Office Hours
Connecticut Independent Drivers Guild
157 Church St
New Haven, CT 06510
Wednesdays from 10AM to 6PM
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. For 2025, 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 in the prior calendar year has provided service to passengers at least 10 hours per week during the most recent available calendar quarter, 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
