CovCare Donates 1,600 Face Masks To Rideshare Drivers United To Protect Uber And Lyft Drivers

CoronavirusCOVID-19
Written By Wendell Maxey
 
Through the generous donation of 1,600 masks by CovCare, Rideshare Drivers United (RDU) members took to the streets of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego over Mother’s Day weekend to distribute face masks and gloves to hundreds of needy Uber …

Through the generous donation of 1,600 masks by CovCare, Rideshare Drivers United (RDU) members took to the streets of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego over Mother’s Day weekend to distribute face masks and gloves to hundreds of needy Uber and Lyft drivers in an effort to offer protection while continuing to work during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The video that came across on Twitter from Nicole Moore (@nicoemoe) showing a Lyft driver pulling up curbside to receive a free pack of face masks and protective gloves courtesy of Rideshare Drivers United tells a story that is truly making an impact in California.

The note that was included in the free pack of Personal Protective Equipment is straight from the heart: “From all of us at RDU — Stay safe! Every driver in this country is guaranteed the right to safety while they work. Uber and Lyft have violated our rights and jeopardized the lives of drivers and riders throughout California. #EnforceAB5”.

When Rideshare Drivers United (RDU) members took to the streets of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego over Mother’s Day weekend, the independent worker-led organization took time to distribute face masks and gloves to hundreds of needy Uber and Lyft drivers to help protect them while continuing to work during the Coronavirus pandemic. Through the generous donation of 1,600 masks by CovCare, the medical supplies and logistics company once again showed why it has become the fastest-growing brand dedicated to equipping essential workers and healthcare professionals across the United States amid COVID-19. 

Along with CovCare, the outreach gathering by RDU was supported by the Transporters Workers Union of America and included a special thanks to City Council member Mike Bonin, 8th District, City of Los Angeles. It was the chance for this community of drivers to come together in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego by stopping by designated drop-off areas. The drivers not only felt appreciated and cared for, but also protected.

In 2018, Rideshare Drivers United was formed and began to gain support from driver to driver in an effort to “fight for the dignity of our profession” and ensure drivers have a voice over their working conditions in rideshare.

RDU Flier .jpeg

In mid-April, nearly 50 rideshare drivers caravanned around San Francisco City Hall demanding the California Labor Commissioner enforce Assembly Bill 5 ( also known as AB5 or the “gig-worker” bill) that went into effect in January, so drivers can qualify for unemployment insurance and relief. With COVID-19 taking a toll on the demand for rideshares, drivers claim Uber and Lyft are withholding earnings data from the State which ultimately causes a driver’s benefits to be delayed weeks or possibly months. Thanks to Rideshare Drivers United, drivers are banding together in an effort to make Uber and Lyft pay them as employees with over 2,500 Uber and Lyft drivers in California filing wage claims against the companies starting back in February. As of now these drivers haven’t been eligible for unemployment benefits since Uber and Lyft (who are attempting to reverse the bill by pledging $30 million each to a campaign) have not contributed to California’s unemployment fund and thus drivers have received zero unemployment benefits.

For those drivers who are behind the wheel and keeping their business moving, they deserve the same protection as the rest of the essential workers who are simply at risk by “going to work” and doing their jobs. According to reports, Uber will reportedly require drivers and riders to wear masks or face coverings in several countries, including the US. 

It’s even more reason why CovCare felt compelled to get involved and make a donation of face masks to help support Rideshare Drivers United and the band of dedicated drivers throughout California. '

Connect with CovCare on Instagram and Twitter

* gallery photos by @mikekaichen

 
 
Wendell Maxey
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