Hello Colorado Independent Driver United Members and supporters. We have some exciting updates for you!

The legislative season in Colorado has begun and one of our own members Representative Stephanie Vigil has been sworn into office. This year we hope to pass some important pieces of legislation that will impact all Rideshare and Delivery Drivers in the State. 

Public awareness is growing and a dozen articles have been written about the union and drivers struggles in the last 3 months. As we continue to take action whether it be rallies, strikes or pushing for pro-driver legislation it is integral we educate the public. This is vital to ensure the public is aware that we are being taken advantage of, but also that our customers are being used as piggy banks for corporate elites, us drivers and customers must move forward in solidarity!

Upcoming Action: 

In late January drivers will descend on the capitol as we continue our demands for justice. In Colorado the legislative season begins in January and ends in May, so this is the time to show our lawmakers that we will not suffer these app companies' abuses in 2023.

In fact, Colorado Independent Drivers United is in the midst of writing legislation to be passed this year. The details of the bill will be made public on the day of the rally and that is why this mobilization and action will be one of our most important yet. Uber, Lyft and Doordash have already been calling our Representatives, Senators and our Allies trying to find out the details of this pro-driver bill! They are scared that we have the power to make changes that will benefit all app-based drivers. It is time to show them that we do!

If you are committed to attend please fill out the information below and we will provide you with more details as the day of action approaches.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9hKNZkHHc0KlkIKT2tbqZQym63zARxk6rC25ob2xy_zJpGQ/viewform (Please share this link with drivers you know)

Recent Denver Post Article: 

“Colorado gig workers say rideshare companies used to take roughly 25% of the cost of a ride, leaving the rest for drivers.

But the tech giants, which are constantly tinkering with their algorithms, have started to up the percentage that goes back to them, drivers contend. Those behind the wheel in Colorado and elsewhere say the company’s take is now closer to 40% or 50% on many rides.

“We work a lot but we don’t make anything,” said Mindas.

A ride from downtown Denver to the airport used to net a driver $25 to $30, the 30-year-old said. Now that ride earns him $16.”

https://www.denverpost.com/2023/01/15/colorado-gig-drivers-uber-lyft-stephanie-vigil/

Opportunities for Involvement:

CIDU is looking for members that are interested in lobbying at the capitol for our upcoming bill. If you would like to learn about how you can help please email our Political Chair Sandra Parker-Murray: sanmursp@gmail.com

If you would like to help turnout fellow drivers for our upcoming action at the Capitol please email Brian Winkler at unionmade@live.com. This could involve Brian or another CIDU leader getting rally flyers to pass around to other drivers, also there is potential to assist in calling drivers from the CIDU list to ask to attend the rally.

JOIN IN THE FIGHT!!! JOIN CIDU-CWA LOCAL 7777:

 Colorado Independent Drivers United (CIDU) is a Union by and for Rideshare, Delivery, Pedicab, Taxi, and Limousine drivers who operate as independent contractors. We are an open union for any and all full-time and part-time drivers in Colorado. We are joining together and using collective action to fight for fair pay & mileage rates, affordable healthcare & benefits, health & safety protections, and a voice in the development and regulation of the autonomous vehicle market.

We love driving for a living and we love having flexibility and control over our schedules as Independent Contractors. However, our ability to earn a living wage shouldn’t be at the mercy of secret algorithms that are designed to maximize profits for app-based platforms. Whether we are driving for Rideshare or trying to compete with them by driving a Taxi or Limousine. We know that by joining together for fair competition in a regulated market, we can fight to ensure that all of us can share in a future that includes fair compensation + dignity and respect on the job.

Colorado Independent Drivers United is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7777. CWA is a National Union that represents tens of thousands of fellow workers in the transportation industry as well as workers in telecommunications, healthcare, finance, technology, news media, nonprofits, and the public sector.

Membership dues are $12.50/month if you select “part-time” or $25/month if you select “full-time”. Go to CIDU-CWA7777.org to join your Union today!

Author: Brian Winkler
Published on: 2023-01-18, 4:36 PM UTC