MARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER: UPDATES FROM THE INDEPENDENT DRIVERS GUILD
From New York to Virginia: Another Win Against Driverless Cars
Great news. A bill that would have legalized expanded driverless car operations by Waymo in Virginia has been shelved. This follows the recent win against driverless vehicles in New York where we fought off giving AVs access to operate everywhere outside of New York City. Thank you to the IAM Union, who worked with us to make sure lawmakers slowed down and listened to drivers’ concerns about safety, jobs, and the impact on our communities.
Thank you to everyone who spoke up and took action. When drivers stand together, we can hit the brakes on bad policies. Share the good news here.
Fight Waymo and Protect Our Jobs Across the Nation
Thank you to all the IDG members who helped us reach our goal of 10,000 signatures against driverless vehicles in New York. Now, we’re on a mission for 20,000!
Add your name to demand an immediate halt to Waymo’s self-driving car testing in Jersey City, Miami, and beyond, and stop all autonomous vehicle testing across the country. We must move quickly to protect driver jobs and our communities.
Sign your state’s petition here:
IDG New Jersey Is Fighting to Restore Airport Bathroom Access
As many may be aware, there are ongoing restroom outages at the driver parking lot at Newark Liberty International Airport. The New Jersey IDG organizers are actively coordinating with airport management to ensure the facilities are repaired as soon as possible. Every driver deserves access to clean and accessible restrooms. We will continue to fight for the dignity of all drivers in New Jersey.
New York Drivers: Health Navigation Service (HNS) Helps You Take Control of Your Health
The Health Navigation Service is only available to eligible drivers who live in New York City and surrounding areas, and – once you enroll in Drivers Benefits by The Black Car Fund – it gives you personalized care and support that includes:
- Health Insurance Support: Get help understanding your coverage or how to enroll in an affordable plan if you’re uninsured.
- An Initial Health Assessment: Receive a comprehensive exam at a participating ModernMD location to get a clear snapshot of your health.
- Continued Care Visits: Schedule follow-up visits with your primary doctor or at Doral Health & Wellness (H&W) for ongoing care, including diagnostics and prescriptions.
Don’t Delay – Enroll Today! If you have any more questions, or would like to register for free over the phone, call the Driver Support Team at 1-929-419-0390 anytime between Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. ET – 8 p.m. ET.
IDG Drivers: New Health Program Built for Drivers!
*NEW* – The Worker Healthy Living Program (WHLP) is a health and wellness program designed just for drivers like you. We focus on chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity-related health concerns, as well as sleep and stress issues that disproportionately impact rideshare drivers. Our team-based approach backed by our practical AI-enabled program puts you in the driver’s seat.
With WHLP, you get a powerhouse care team behind you providing:
- One-on-one physician support
- Customized nutrition guidance from a dietitian
- A dedicated health coach & fitness classes
The Worker Healthy Living program is flexible and adapts to your needs. You can join whichever sessions work best for you and focus on the ones that are most useful.Your visits with the doctor, health coach, and registered dietitian are provided at no cost to you. ENROLL NOW.
Free Flu Shots for IDG Members. Protect Your Health Today!
Free flu shots are here! Getting a flu shot is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu and avoid serious complications if you do get sick. Don’t leave your health to chance. Qualifying IDG Members in all states have been emailed a free flu shot voucher, good at any Walgreens or Duane Reade location through April 15th, 2026.
Free flu shot vouchers are provided by the Independent Drivers Guild. Become a member today and get your free flu shot!
IDG New Jersey Members Looking for Some Security?
Life and AD&D Insurance Now Available for New Jersey Drivers
IDG NJ members, you now have access to $5,000 in Life Insurance and up to $25,000 in Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage through MetLife—effective May 1, 2025, with no waiting period. Coverage applies worldwide and includes natural causes, accidents, and more. Need to file a claim or want to confirm you are a member? Call 1-800-333-5440.
Sending Our Best Wishes for Ramadan to the IDG Community
Ramadan Mubarak! As this holy month continues, the Independent Drivers Guild extends our warmest wishes to all drivers and their families who are observing. We recognize the dedication and hard work you put in every day, even while fasting and balancing family and faith. May this month bring you peace, strength, and countless blessings. IDG will always fight for you and your families to have the fair wages, respect, and dignity you deserve. We stand with you and celebrate this time of reflection, generosity, and community. Wishing you a Ramadan filled with joy, prosperity, and good health!
Get support
New York Office Hours & Weekly Outreach
IDG’s NYC office is bigger and better than ever! Visit us:
New York Independent Drivers Guild
41-09 36th St #3
Queens, NY 11101
Monday – Friday, 10AM – 4PM
New Jersey Office Hours
New Jersey Independent Drivers Guild
110 Fieldcrest Avenue, 3rd Floor
Edison, New Jersey 08837
Monday – Friday : 10AM to 6PM
Outreach at Newark Airport
Tuesday: 10AM to 4PM
Wednesday: 10AM to 4PM
Connecticut Office Hours
Connecticut Independent Drivers Guild
157 Church St
New Haven, CT 06510
Wednesdays from 10AM to 6PM
Illinois Office Hours
IL Drivers! Have you visited our office yet? Come in and get support!
Illinois Independent Drivers Guild
114 W Higgins Rd
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Monday 10AM – 7PM
Tuesday – Thursday 10AM – 4PM
Friday 10AM – 2PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Not in CT, IL, NJ, FL, or NY? Contact us here to speak with organizers about next steps. Reach out today – let’s organize in your state!
You can now read previous editions of the IDG Member Newsletter here!
*Terms and conditions apply – Click here: ny.driversbenefits.org for more details on eligibility rules and benefits requirements.
**While supplies last.
1You must meet Eligibility Requirements* to be enrolled in Drivers Benefits. An eligible driver is either:
(i) a driver who is registered with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (NYC TLC) as a driver for a Black Car service and who, for initial eligibility, has provided service to passengers for at least twenty (20) hours during the past thirty (30) days and, for ongoing eligibility, based on driving-hours data provided by the NYC TLC for the rolling six (6) month prior periods, has provided service to passengers for an average of at least twenty (20) hours per month, with such hours measured from the time a passenger enters a vehicle until such passenger exits the same vehicle, or
(ii) a driver is not registered with the NYC TLC and who qualifies as a Transportation Network Company (TNC) or is affiliated with a dispatch base that is a member of The Black Car Fund and in the prior calendar year has received a gross income of at least $4,000 during the most recent available calendar quarter from the provision of service to passengers in the State of New York. Gross revenue is determined based on income that will be reported on a driver’s Form 1099. These eligibility standards may be changed by The Black Car Fund upon at least 30 days’ notice. Enrolled drivers must continue to meet eligibility requirements to maintain access to the benefits. A Driver shall cease to be an Eligible Driver if said Driver has been found by the Workers’ Compensation Board to be disqualified as a claimant for lost time benefits pursuant to Section 114-a of the New York Workers’ Compensation Law.
*These Eligibility Requirements were last updated and are effective as of April 9, 2026.
