- Taxi drivers face demanding conditions and legal challenges despite laws that aim to protect them.
- In the U.S., about 207,000 taxi drivers lack equal legal protections to other professions.
- Important laws include the Fair Labor Standards Act, Workers’ Compensation, Anti-Discrimination Laws, Taxi Driver Protection Act, and Independent Contractor Laws.
- The Taxi Driver Protection Act and Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) provide significant safety and employment protections.
- If an accident occurs, drivers should know a lawyer, notify their employer, get medical attention, and document everything.
Taxi driving is one of the most demanding jobs, with drivers often facing long hours, physical demands, and exposure to various safety risks. To ensure that taxi drivers are treated fairly by their employers and granted certain rights, laws, and regulations have been created to protect them. These laws range from protecting drivers from unlawful termination to providing them access to health benefits. However, despite these regulations, taxi drivers often face challenges obtaining their rights.
In some countries, taxi drivers are considered self-employed individuals and do not receive the same benefits as other employees. This includes health insurance, sick leave, or retirement plans. As a result, many taxi drivers worldwide struggle to make ends meet and provide for themselves and their families. Here’s what you need to know about taxi drivers today, laws protecting them, and what you should do if you ever get into an accident.
Taxi Drivers in The U.S.
It’s estimated that there are at least 207,000 taxi drivers and chauffeurs in the United States. These drivers provide transportation services to millions of people daily, making taxi driving a crucial component of our society’s infrastructure. However, these drivers are often not given the same legal protections as other employees. Here are some laws protecting taxi drivers today:
1. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is one of the most important laws regarding taxi driver compensation. This law requires taxi companies to pay their drivers at least the minimum wage and overtime payments if they exceed 40 hours a week. Drivers must also be paid at least the minimum wage even when they receive tips.
2. Workers’ Compensation
If drivers get hurt on the job or become ill due to their work conditions, they are entitled to Workers’ Compensation. This compensation should cover their medical bills and provide some time off work for recovery. Taxi companies must provide workers’ compensation insurance to all drivers. Drivers who are independent contractors must purchase their own workers’ compensation insurance for themselves.
3. Anti-Discrimination Laws
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), taxi companies should provide transportation services that are accessible to disabled individuals. Taxi drivers who refuse customers who require assistance dogs or wheelchairs can be sued for discrimination.
4. Taxi Driver Protection Act
There also exists a legislative push for taxi driver protection. In Philadelphia, under the Taxi Driver Protection Act, taxi drivers now have shields between their front and back seats that act as barriers to their safety. The shield aims to protect drivers from angry customers who may become violent, safeguard them from being robbed, and enhance overall driver safety. Several other cities are considering adopting similar laws.
5. Independent Contractor Laws
In California 2018, Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) was passed, impacting millions of independent contractors, including taxi drivers, Uber drivers, and other “gig” workers. As a result of the ruling, many drivers are now treated as employees, leading to medical insurance and minimum wage guarantees for these drivers. This bill was passed to protect workers who do not have a union to advocate for their rights.
What to Do If You Get into an Accident?
The nature of taxi driving means that accidents can and do happen. If you are involved in a collision while working, here’s what you need to know:
Know a Lawyer
Before anything else, you need to know a legal professional. An experienced CDL lawyer can represent you if you are injured or have been involved in an accident while on the job. They can also assist with navigating complicated Workers’ Compensation claims and ensure your rights are protected.
Notify Your Employer
Next, it’s crucial to inform your employer of the accident as soon as possible. Be sure to provide details about what happened, including any injuries sustained. This notification is necessary to ensure that the workers’ compensation process can begin and your rights are protected.
Get Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Even if you don’t feel injured, there may be underlying issues that could worsen over time. Plus, a medical record of injuries will help with your workers’ compensation claim.
Document Everything
Ensure to document everything related to the accident, including taking photos and writing down any details. This information will be valuable for your workers’ compensation claim and any potential legal action you may need to take.
Taxi driving is a vital and demanding job that deserves fair treatment and protection under the law. As we’ve discussed, various laws are in place to protect taxi drivers, but challenges still exist. If you’re a taxi driver, you must know your rights and what to do if you are in an accident. With the right knowledge and resources, the world can work towards creating a safer and more fair environment for taxi drivers everywhere.
