Petition: Give Ashland Transportation Network Drivers a Voice!

Ashland City Council


BACKGROUND

The Gig Economy and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft are rapidly changing our economy and workforce. From being paid less than minimum wage, to disputed employment status, to interference in states' legislative process — it's clear that TNCs are putting profits over workers.

The City of Ashland is considering code changes to regulate Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. We know that there are significant concerns from drivers and the community about fairness as it relates to every component of our transportation system, especially TNCs. As a city, we need to strive to ensure that advances in the transportation system don’t perpetuate inequities which have existed for decades.

In Ashland, we can change the new reality of the Gig Economy by establishing a Wage Board housed at the City of Ashland to ensure impacted community members and drivers have a say in how TNCs operate within our city. Wage Boards give drivers and impacted communities the ability to sit at the same table with TNC representatives to ensure both sides have a say in how the rules are made - instead of one side breaking them.

We can address issues that TNC drivers have been outspoken about: low wages, inadequate compensation, unfair insurance and deactivation practices, and the lack of a channel for drivers to speak on their concerns while ensuring further expansion of this industry meets the needs of our community.


OUR SOLUTION

We are calling on the City of Ashland to establish a commission to examine conditions for drivers and riders in the transportation industry.

This commission would include representatives from populations reliant on public transportation such as senior citizens and people with disabilities; drivers from TNC and taxi services; and representatives from TNC and taxi management. The commission’s scope would include, but not be limited to:

  • Establishing Consumer & Driver Protections: Investigating conditions and practices in the TNC industry and advising the Council on standards that ensure safe, reliable transportation by TNCs within the city, with emphasis on consumer and driver protections and establishing fair rates and driver compensation;
  • Ensuring Equity: Considering the effect of TNCs on the transportation system overall, including the financial and operational viability of the public transit system, and on transportation options for seniors, people of color, people with disabilities, and other people with equity concerns;
  • Resolving Disputes: Reviewing disputes between drivers and TNCs or consumers and TNCs regarding compliance with standards applicable to the industry that are brought to its attention, either through direct communications to the Board chair or at public hearing.

Interested in volunteering to fight for workers' rights in the gig economy in Southern Oregon? Contact us for more information on how to get involved!

To: Ashland City Council
From: [Your Name]

Members of the Ashland Transportation Commission,

The Gig Economy and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft are rapidly changing our economy and workforce. From being paid less than minimum wage, to disputed employment status, to interference in states' legislative process - it's clear that TNCs are putting profits over workers.

In Ashland, we can change the new reality of the Gig Economy by establishing a Wage Board housed at the City of Ashland to ensure impacted community members and drivers have a say in how TNCs operate within our city. Wage Boards give drivers and impacted communities the ability to sit at the same table with TNC representatives to ensure both sides have a say in how the rules are made - instead of one side breaking them.

We can address issues that TNC drivers have been outspoken about: low wages, inadequate compensation, unfair insurance and deactivation practices, and the lack of a channel for drivers to speak on their concerns while ensuring further expansion of this industry meets the needs of our community.

Please forward a recommendation in support of establishing a Wage Board to the Ashland City Council to ensure that drivers and the riding public have a voice in how rules are made which impact our transportation system as a whole.