Dear Representatives & Senators,

As kids go back to school, thousands of Massachusetts parents like us will continue driving for rideshare and delivery companies to earn some extra money when we can for expenses and saving for our childrens’ future. We need your help to keep these flexible work options.

Last month, the Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work filed a ballot question that would preserve flexibility for app-based drivers while granting historic new benefits and protections, such as a healthcare stipend, mileage reimbursements, and a guaranteed earnings floor of 120% of the minimum wage. There is also legislation pending (House Bill #1234) that would accomplish these same goals, while allowing you, our legislators, to decide how best to extend these benefits while protecting our independence. 

In Massachusetts, 82% of app-based drivers work 15 hours per week or less. The freedom to drive when, where and how often we want is not only important to us as working parents, it is what allows us to do these jobs and earn extra money. As independent contractors, we don’t have to choose between earning and being able to drop our children off at school or take them to doctor’s appointments or attend their games and concerts and recitals. 

83% of app-based rideshare and delivery drivers support keeping independent contractor status while requiring companies to provide additional benefits. If drivers are reclassified as employees, most of us will not be able to do this work. Some of us already have full-time jobs. For others, having set schedules or required shifts that comes with employment will simply not work. 

You will hear a lot from opponents telling you they know what’s best for drivers, so we want you to hear it directly from us: the best solution is ensuring we remain independent while gaining access to benefits through these platforms. Both this ballot question, and the legislation will ensure that. We do not want to be employees. 

Please stand with drivers across Massachusetts who support this solution by a 7:1 margin.  

Thank you,