DRIVERS may still have a chance to cash in after Uber and Lyft agreed to pay out millions of dollars to certain users.
The companies are looking to settle a class action lawsuit after they were accused of breaking the law.
Uber and Lyft are settling the class action lawsuit (stock image)[/caption]
Drivers may qualify to get paid after Uber and Lyft were accused of breaking state law (stock image)[/caption]
Over $100 million is expected to be paid out to drivers (stock image)[/caption]
The Massachusetts Attorney General filed a lawsuit in 2020 against the ride-sharing apps, claiming they had violated state law by classifying their drivers as independent contractors.
The suit blasted the companies and said drivers did not receive enough in wages and benefits to comply with the state law.
Despite Uber and Lyft not admitting any wrongdoing, they agreed to pay out $140 million to eligible drivers.
Those who carried out rides for the companies between July 14, 2020, and July 2, 2024, in Massachusetts may qualify.
The price that each driver will get varies depending on how many trips they completed in the time frame.
The more trips they completed, the bigger settlement they’ll receive.
It ensures that those who were paid less than minimum wage receive a higher amount.
And the best part is: those who qualify will not even have to file a claim.
Massachusetts hired a company that notifies those who will receive a payment via email or letter.
Those who did not receive a letter have to change their address on the AG’s website no later than August 31 in order to receive their check if they qualify.
“You do not need to do anything to receive a payment,” the claim said.
“You do not need to file a claim, and you do not need to hire
an attorney to assist you.”
Checks are expected to go out in Fall 2025.
New worker benefits will be given to drivers, too.
New September driving laws and rules
- Starting September 14, new speed cameras will be turned on in Florida and threaten with $100 fees
- On September 1, drivers in South Carolina will have to watch where they put their hands under a new hands-free law
- Also, on September 1, certain vehicles operating in Texas will have to get a special permit
- More drivers will be forced to get dozens of hours of training before getting their license under a new law
- And drivers have until September 30 to collect a $7,500 tax credit
There is now a minimum earnings amount of engaged time per hour, which started last year.
“Engaged time is the time between when a driver accepts a rider’s requested trip in the Uber or Lyft app and when the driver drops the rider off,” it said.
“This includes the time the driver spends driving to the pick-up destination, waiting at that location, and transporting the rider to the drop-off location.”
The wage was brought up to $32.50 per hour, with an annual increase of 3% or inflation rate.
Employees are now also entitled to paid sick leave, and access to health insurance benefit stipends.
Alongside the cash settlement, drivers will have a minimum pay going forward (stock image)[/caption]
Health insurance stipends will also be issued (stock image)[/caption]
