Minneapolis advances measure for minimum wage to Uber and Lyft drivers

Minneapolis City Council members narrowly handed a measure on Thursday that will set up a minimal wage for drivers of Uber, Lyft and different ride-share firms within the metropolis.

The mayor can nonetheless veto the measure.

Many of the drivers are African immigrants who’ve been pushing for larger wages on the state and metropolis ranges for a number of months.

Under the measure, drivers can be paid not less than $1.40 per mile and $0.51 per minute, or $5, whichever is larger. The rule would solely apply for the portion of the trip throughout the metropolis.

Members of the Democratic-dominated City Council, which voted in help of the measure 7-5, mentioned they need to improve drivers’ wages as quickly as potential so the drivers can afford their lives. Members additionally mentioned they’re voting in help to face towards the exploitation of staff by large firms like Uber and Lyft.

Those who voted in opposition mentioned the measure wants extra work – the mayor would possibly veto it, and the measure might trigger Uber and Lyft to extend their costs for customers which might damage individuals with low incomes who depend upon rides from these firms for transportation.

Uber and Lyft have each launched statements in opposition to the measure. “If it becomes law, drivers would ultimately earn less because prices could double and only the most wealthy could still afford a ride,” Lyft mentioned in a press release after the vote.

It continued, “We support a minimum earning standard for drivers, but it should be part of a broader statewide solution that also protects driver independence. That’s why we urge Mayor Frey to veto this bill and instead allow time for the state’s rideshare task force to complete its research.”

In May, Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz vetoed a invoice that will have mandated larger pay and job safety for Lyft and Uber drivers within the state. Walz mentioned on the time that ride-share drivers deserve truthful wages and protected working circumstances, however it wasn’t the precise invoice to attain these targets.

Ride-hailing drivers, like different gig financial system staff, are usually handled as unbiased contractors not entitled to minimal wages and different advantages, and must cowl their very own gasoline and automotive funds.

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