Philly Democrat floats plan for minimum wage for Uber, Lyft drivers

Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to boost the state’s minimum wage for all Pennsylvanians hit a brick wall during this spring’s budget debate.

So a Democratic state lawmaker from Philadelphia is taking a slightly different approach to raising the wage for some workers.

Last week, state Rep. Maria Donatucci began looking for cosponsors for her emerging plan to pay a minimum wage to “transportation network drivers.” In case you’re wondering, that’s the jargon-y name for the Uber or Lyft driver who gave you a ride home from the bar or the airport not too long ago.

These independent contractors “are receiving ever-decreasing pay rates while the companies that employ them take in billions … these drivers are responsible for paying the maintenance on their vehicles, cleaning their vehicles, and fuel costs. As policymakers, we must always ensure workers receive fair pay for fair work,” Donatucci wrote.

Read more: https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/philly-dem-floats-plan-for-minimum-wage-for-uber-lyft-drivers/