Minnesota Rideshare Drivers Celebrate Wage Increase, But Say the Fight for Fairness Continues
Minnesota rideshare drivers are cautiously optimistic about a new statewide law that will increase their pay starting December 1st. While drivers welcome the change, they emphasize that the struggle for fairer working conditions is far from over.
“The last couple of years have been so bad, so this will be nice,” said Omot Chom, an Uber driver, expressing a sentiment echoed by many of his colleagues.
Every day, the MSP airport lot bustles with Ubers and Lyfts as drivers patiently wait for their next ride, hoping for a chance at better earnings. “We have to get paid like everybody else. Every business in Minnesota is supposed to pay everybody minimum wage, but Uber, they’ve been lacking that the last couple years,” Chom added, highlighting the core of the issue.
Driven by the need for better wages, the Minnesota Uber/Lyft Drivers Association has been tirelessly lobbying for legislative action. Their efforts culminated in a victory: a new law mandating a per-minute pay rate increase for rideshare drivers statewide.
Starting December 1st, drivers will earn $1.28 per minute, plus an additional $.31 per minute. This translates to nearly a 24% raise, a significant improvement for drivers struggling to make ends meet.
“It’s better than what it’s been,” Chom acknowledged, “It’s not enough. We want more. We want to organize.” His words underscore the ongoing struggle for full recognition and compensation for rideshare drivers.
Eid Ali, a representative for the Minnesota Uber/Lyft Drivers Association, celebrated the hard-fought victory while emphasizing the need for continued advocacy. “It’s absolutely an amazing history made by the drivers here in Minnesota after two long years of battle,” Ali said. “
“Whenever needed, we will be out there and making sure that we just raise our voices on behalf of the drivers,” he added, reaffirming the association’s commitment to fighting for improved working conditions.
The push for higher wages faced resistance from Uber and Lyft, with both companies threatening to leave the state if the legislation passed. While the companies have yet to comment on the upcoming changes, past statements suggest they may argue that the pay bump could lead to higher fares for consumers.
What specific changes do rideshare drivers hope to see regarding their treatment by companies like Uber and Lyft?
## Minnesota Rideshare Drivers: A Win, But Not the Finish Line
**Interviewer:** Joining us today is Omot Chom, an Uber driver based in Minneapolis, about the new statewide law boosting rideshare driver pay starting December 1st. Omot, thanks for being here.
**Omot Chom:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** So, tell us, what’s the mood like among drivers now that this law is in place?
**Omot Chom:** There’s definitely a sense of relief, you know? Things have been really tough for the past few years, so this raise is a big help. It’ll make a difference in our daily lives. [[1](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/uber-and-lyft-say-theyll-operate-in-minnesota-after-legislature-passes-driver-pay-compromise)]
**Interviewer:** It’s been called a compromise. What are your thoughts on that?
**Omot Chom:** Look, it’s definitely a step in the right direction. We appreciate the governor’s work on this. But we need to be clear: this isn’t the end of the road. This is just one battle won in a longer fight for fairer treatment.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on that? What else needs to change?
**Omot Chom:** We need more transparency from companies like Uber and Lyft. We deserve to know how fares are calculated, what fees they’re taking, and why we’re sometimes deactivated without clear reasons. We also need better access to benefits, like healthcare and paid time off, considering we’re essentially independent contractors.
**Interviewer:** So, while drivers are celebrating this victory, it sounds like they’re also staying prepared for the next round.
**Omot Chom:** Absolutely. We won’t stop fighting for our rights and a better future for rideshare drivers. We contributed so much during the pandemic, and we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. [[1](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/uber-and-lyft-say-theyll-operate-in-minnesota-after-legislature-passes-driver-pay-compromise)]
