FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER: UPDATES FROM THE INDEPENDENT DRIVERS GUILD
New York IDG Drivers Stop Driverless Cars from Running in State
After strong opposition from drivers, labor, and community advocates, the governor is pulling the driverless car proposal from the budget — protecting public safety, local jobs, and our economy.
Legalizing experimental robotaxis would have put public safety at risk, threatened the livelihoods of 200,000 rideshare, taxi, and for-hire vehicle drivers, and drained billions from our local economy. Share the good news here.
“We thank the governor for pulling autonomous vehicle legislation from the budget and for listening to workers and communities across New York,” said IDG President Brendan Sexton.
Thank you to all of the IDG members who made their voices heard, the more than 20,000 New Yorkers who signed our petition, and our union and community allies who stood with us. This is what happens when drivers stand together!
Fight Driverless Vehicles 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:
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.
The Independent Drivers Guild Celebrates Black History Month
This Black History Month, the Independent Drivers Guild proudly honors the generations of Black leaders, workers, and organizers whose courage and vision have shaped the ongoing fight for dignity on the job. Our membership includes thousands of immigrant drivers — many of them Black and Brown workers — who power our cities every day while building better lives for their families. Their resilience reflects a long legacy of struggle for civil rights, fair pay, and respect in the workplace. As we celebrate Black history, we recommit ourselves to advancing racial and economic justice, standing united against discrimination, and continuing the fight for safe working conditions, fair treatment, and a voice for all drivers.
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. For 2025, 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 in the prior calendar year has provided service to passengers at least 10 hours per week during the most recent available calendar quarter, 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
