FTC clears the path for gig workers to bargain collectively, but will the new Trump administration roll back the policy? Uber challenges a Colorado law that would require it to be transparent about driver earnings. A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Lyft. Trump appointed a deputy labor secretary who has favored gig economy companies in the past. We break it all down for you.
FTC Says Gig Workers Allowed to Bargain Collectively Without Violating Anti-Trust Laws

Source – Federal Trade Commission
In a significant development for gig workers, the Federal Trade Commission issued a policy statement protecting independent contractors from antitrust liability when they engage in collective bargaining and organizing activities. Drivers can now collectively negotiate for better pay, working conditions, and benefits without fear of violating antitrust laws.
- Unlike traditional employees, independent contractors were not clearly protected by labor exemptions to antitrust laws. Collective action by independent contractors could potentially be seen as price-fixing or anti-competitive behavior.
- However, this policy statement was issued by Lina Khan, a Biden appointee. As we all know, when President Trump comes into office, he’ll likely appoint a new chair of the FTC who might revisit and potentially reverse this policy.
- This policy statement comes as a handful of states passed ballot initiatives that allowed rideshare workers to collectively bargain and join unions.
Uber Challenges Colorado Law on Driver Pay Disclosure

SOURCE – Reuters
Uber has filed a lawsuit against the state of Colorado, claiming that a new law mandating pay disclosure to drivers at the end of a trip infringes on its First Amendment rights. Set to take effect on February 1, the law requires detailed financial transparency to drivers, a move Uber argues could mislead and harm its business operations.
- The law would require Uber and similar companies to disclose ride payment details, including passenger fares and driver shares, with the aim of transparency.
- Uber argues that without additional context, such as accounting for associated costs like tolls and insurance, the mandated disclosures could provide misleading information to drivers and the public.
Lyft Overcomes Shareholder Lawsuit Over Earnings Report Mistake

SOURCE – Reuters
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit accusing Lyft of defrauding shareholders by delaying the correction of an error in an earnings report. The mistake initially resulted in a significant, albeit temporary, spike in the company’s stock price.
- The error in question involved a February 13, 2024, earnings release, which incorrectly stated an expected profit margin expansion of 500 basis points instead of the correct 50 basis points. The mistake led to a brief 67% increase in Lyft’s stock price.
- Shareholders sought damages for investments made during the period of inflated stock prices, but the judge found no evidence of deliberate indifference by Lyft’s executives.
Trump Appoints Keith Sonderling as Deputy Labor Secretary

SOURCE – QZ
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Keith Sonderling as deputy labor secretary, signaling potential policy shifts favoring gig economy companies like Uber and Lyft. Sonderling’s previous roles and actions suggest a leaning towards classifying gig workers as independent contractors rather than employees.
- In 2019, Sonderling, while acting as head of the DOL’s wage division, issued guidance classifying gig workers as independent contractors, a stance welcomed by gig companies facing classification legal battles.
- The potential reversal of Biden-era rules could ease restrictions for companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash, affecting worker classifications and related benefits, though state laws may still impose constraints.
Uber Accuses Driver of Fraud for Not Completing Delivery

SOURCE – YouTube Shorts
If you’ve ever done food delivery before, you know that sometimes you’ll accept a delivery but not complete it. For instance, if you get to the restaurant or store and it’s closed, you have no option but to cancel the order. This especially happens when you’re working late nights or during the holidays.
We saw this post shared by a driver who said Uber sent them this message. The only thing is the driver says they hadn’t driven for Uber in months. The company is telling them that accepting delivery requests without intending to complete the delivery is considered fraud. Find out more in our latest YouTube Short!
QUICK HITS
- Following a similar initiative implemented by DoorDash, Uber Eats will also be beefing up its processes to verify courier identities in the U.S. This includes ongoing background checks, real-time ID verification and intelligent fraud detection. – Uber Newsroom
- Research conducted by the climate-focused nonprofit Rocky Mountain Institute highlights several barriers that are slowing the adoption of electric vehicles among rideshare drivers. Key issues include the ongoing affordable housing crisis, outdated permitting and zoning procedures, and a lack of sufficient public charging infrastructure. – RMI
- Oahu’s Nurse Navigator program proposes using rideshare drivers instead of ambulances for non-emergency 911 calls, sparking debate over potential risks due to untrained drivers handling health-related transports. – JEMS
Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content
Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:
- RSG263: Justin Pappan on Renting a Fleet of Teslas! (EV Access)
- IRS Coming After Gig Workers! Keep Clean Records
- Is Amazon Going To Buy Lyft In 2025?
- Is It Worth It To Drive Uber And Lyft In 2025?
- The Rideshare Guy en Español
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