Ride-Share Drivers Protest For Job Security

Chants of “Lyft is lying” and “No driver, no Uber” filled the streets outside of the Uber Technologies headquarters in the Financial District. Lined up with flags, signs, and noisemakers in hand are ride-share drivers, advocates, and members of the taxi driver alliance. 

They are advocating for the enactment of Local Law 52, a bill they fought for over three years ago. It was passed this spring by the New York City Council and is set to be enacted on July 28. But Uber Technologies and Lyft have joined together in suing New York City to stop the enactment. 

Local Law 52 would prevent ride-share companies from deactivating drivers without "just cause.” It would also require that the drivers be given 14 days' notice rather than immediate account deactivation. 

Malang Gassama is an Uber and Lyft driver. His accounts were deactivated without notice. He said that he was not given the proper chance to submit evidence or explain his case.

“ I am personally a victim of this deactivation. Uber deactivated me over some lies from some customers. I gave them videos, I gave them footage to show them that the customer was lying,” said Gassama. “But there was this Uber employee who was in California who had to decide over my life in New York over just a phone call.” 

Gassama said the instant deactivation caused an immediate loss of income for him. He said he eventually had no choice but to move into a shelter. 

If enacted, Law 52 would protect drivers in similar situations to Gassama. 

Niji Jain is a Legal Director at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund. She said that many of the ride-share clients that she has worked with have been left to struggle after being unable to contest their deactivations.

“ The majority of workers purchased a car in order to be able to drive. They pay for the gas. They pay for their car insurance,” said Jain. “When Uber and Lyft, with the click of a button, deactivate a driver, they're left not just with no job, but also all of the debt for the job that they invested in.” 

Uber and Lyft did not respond to FUV News's request for a comment. 

The companies appeared in court against the city on July 16. Drivers and advocates told FUV News that they are holding their breath for the judge’s ruling. 

This story ran on the What's What podcast from WFUV News on July 15, 2026