Former Rideshare Driver Sues Uber, Lyft, and Chicago over Deactivation Rules
A New Challenge for Rideshare Giants
A former rideshare driver has filed a lawsuit against Uber, Lyft, and the City of Chicago, claiming her rights were violated.
Unfair Deactivation
Ceresa Cohran, who drove for the rideshare companies for five years, says she was removed from the platforms under city rules that allow companies to deactivate drivers without providing evidence or an appeal process.
No Evidence, No Appeal Process
Cohran’s attorney, Matthew Custardo, said the companies acted unfairly and that the city’s regulations left Cohran with no way to defend herself.
“Uber accused my client of spitting on a passenger,” Custardo said. “I mean… there’s no evidence, and there’s no appeal process.”
The Bigger Picture
Advocates argue that if the Chicago City Council had passed the Rideshare Living Wage and Safety Ordinance, Cohran’s situation might have been different. The ordinance, which has stalled since May 2023, aimed to implement stricter oversight and protections for drivers.
Thousands Deactivated with No Independent Review
Since that time, more than 13,000 Chicago drivers have reportedly been deactivated, with no independent review process in place.
Conclusion
Cohran’s case could have significant implications for the nearly 90,000 licensed rideshare drivers in Chicago. The lawsuit highlights the need for better protections and oversight for rideshare drivers, who are often considered independent contractors rather than employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rideshare Living Wage and Safety Ordinance? The ordinance aimed to implement stricter oversight and protections for rideshare drivers, including minimum wage requirements and an appeal process for deactivated drivers.
Why is this case significant? This case could have significant implications for the rideshare industry and the rights of rideshare drivers, who are often considered independent contractors rather than employees.
What is the outcome of this lawsuit expected to be? The outcome of this lawsuit is uncertain, but it is expected to have significant implications for the rideshare industry and the rights of rideshare drivers.
How many drivers have been deactivated in Chicago? More than 13,000 Chicago drivers have reportedly been deactivated since May 2023, with no independent review process in place.
