Lyft News

How Lyft is Helping Drivers Secure the Future of Work in Washington State

Apr 25, 2022
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A new model for the future of app-based work was recently signed into law in Washington state. 

HB 2076 will provide drivers across the state of Washington with a minimum earnings guarantee, workers’ compensation, paid sick leave, a driver resource center, and much more

Drivers in Washington state achieved this win after a team of driver-focused allies, including labor organizations and elected officials, listened to them, and then worked together to get this historic bill across the finish line. 

Lyft is proud to support this first-of-its-kind agreement that puts drivers’ wants and needs firmly at the center. Thanks to the efforts of elected officials, like Representative Liz Berry, and labor organizations, like Teamsters 117, this legislation passed the Washington legislature with strong bipartisan support. 

Legislative solutions like this one give rideshare drivers new benefits and protections without changing the fundamental reasons they drive:

  • In a recent survey, 77% of the Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart drivers and delivery workers in Washington state said they wanted to maintain independence and flexibility, while also receiving added protections and benefits. 

  • In Washington, 95% of drivers using the Lyft platform work or are students in addition to driving with Lyft. And 90% drive fewer than 20 hours per week. 

  • 71% of Washington drivers who use the Lyft app also come from communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. 

Lyft is celebrating this historic win alongside drivers. We’ll continue to shape and advocate for work that allows individuals to balance everyday life, like school, caretaking, and full-time jobs, with the ability to earn flexibly and access benefits and protections. 

HB 2076 Provides Drivers in Washington with: 

  • Guaranteed statewide minimum earnings 

  • Workers’ compensation coverage and paid sick leave protections 

  • Access to a third-party deactivations appeals process, with the right to representation, in certain circumstances

  • Protection from retaliation and discrimination

  • The same flexibility and independence they’ve come to value and can’t get through traditional work

Details on Benefits for Drivers 

Driver Earnings Guarantee

Under this new law, starting on December 31, 2022, drivers in Washington will be guaranteed the highest statewide minimum earnings standard for rideshare drivers in the country.

Paid Sick Leave 

Beginning on January 1, 2023, drivers in Washington will be eligible for paid sick leave. Drivers will accrue 1 hour of earned paid sick time for every 40 hours of time worked, the same rate at which Washington employees accrue a similar benefit.

Workers’ Compensation 

Starting on January 1, 2023, drivers in Washington will be eligible to receive workers’ compensation insurance benefits. Premiums will be paid by the transportation network companies, and rolled into the existing state system. 

Driver Resource Center 

This law establishes a driver resources center, to be run as a non-profit, by an organization with demonstrated experience working with and supporting drivers. Following certification by Washington state, this non-profit will serve the driver community in the event of account deactivations, representing drivers in the appeal and resolution process.