Oregon Rideshare Drivers Rally at State Capitol to Push House Bill for Fair Pay and Protections

Dozens of Uber and Lyft drivers gathered at Wilson Park adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol on Monday morning to support House Bill 1166 which will provide them with minimum compensation rates, the ability to appeal against actions deactivating their services, and paid sick leave.

Senate Bill 1166 was presented to the Senate Rules Committee by sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama, D-Portland, an immigrant who moved to Portland as a Somalian refugee more than 25 years ago.

If passed, the bill will prohibit transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft from deactivating a driver’s account without cause.

It will also require an appeal process for drivers whose accounts have been deactivated, establish minimum paid sick leave, and create a driver resource center through a nonprofit selected by the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

The bill must pass both chambers before becoming a law and, if enacted, it could come into effect as early as 1 July.