Today, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that her office is seeking declaratory judgement stating that rideshare drivers are employees entitled to minimum wage, overtime, and anti-retaliation protections. Felipe Martinez, Chairman of Boston Independent Drivers Guild (BIDG), released the following statement on behalf of Massachusetts rideshare drivers:
“Today’s action by the Attorney General’s Office is an historic step in the fight for workers’ rights. For years now, BIDG has brought drivers together to fight against injustice and to declare that rideshare drivers are workers with a right to minimum wage, overtime, paid sick leave, and a path to unionization. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been devastating for Massachusetts rideshare drivers and our families, we have continued to fight for our rights and for relief during this crisis. Now we will build on today’s victory to demand the back pay we are owed from Uber and Lyft. Today’s announcement is only the beginning, and now is the time for all drivers in Massachusetts to join us and keep up this momentum. Together we are stronger.”