The city of Chicago has launched a new initiative aimed at supporting rideshare and taxi drivers amid ongoing challenges in the industry. The Driver Resource Center, operated by the nonprofit People’s Lobby Education Institute, officially began operations on Monday and will run for at least one year, with options to extend funding for up to two additional years.
Chicago officials highlighted the importance of the program in assisting a substantial workforce engaged in app-based and traditional public chauffeur services. Miguel Campos, director of the city’s Office of Labor Standards (OLS), noted that as of May, approximately 87,000 individuals were registered as drivers for rideshare platforms such as Uber and Lyft, while around 13,000 licensed drivers operate taxis, limousines, pedicabs, and sightseeing vehicles.
The center aims to provide education, training, and legal resources to drivers on a wide range of issues. Lori Simmons, lead gig organizer at the People’s Lobby Education Institute, emphasized that many drivers are unaware of their rights and available protections. The program intends to assist those facing common concerns, including disputed deactivations from rideshare apps and potential wage theft related to missing incentives or bonuses. Campos indicated that under certain city ordinances, denied incentive pay could be treated as wage theft, and the center will help drivers navigate such disputes.
Beyond addressing labor disputes, the resource center will offer practical guidance on safety protocols, such as steps to take following a crash or when dealing with difficult passengers. It will also provide information on maximizing earnings and managing expenses, including tracking mileage.
Given the history of immigration enforcement actions targeting drivers near O’Hare International Airport last year, the center will offer connections to immigration resources, though Campos clarified that the program is not a direct response to those raids. During the previous crackdown, federal agents frequently conducted arrests at airport parking lots despite city efforts to deter enforcement on city-owned property.
The initiative will also keep drivers informed about legal developments affecting them, notably the recent passage of Illinois legislation that would allow rideshare drivers to organize unions. The legislation is awaiting Governor JB Pritzker’s signature.
The city has allocated $250,000 for the center’s first year of operation. Mayor Brandon Johnson underscored Chicago’s ongoing commitment to advancing workers’ rights, stating the importance of ensuring drivers benefit from evolving industry conditions and technology.
Drivers seeking assistance can contact the resource center by texting or leaving a voicemail at 312-779-6890, emailing gigalliance@thepeopleslobbyusa.org, or visiting chicago.gov/drc.