Washington Selects Operator for Rideshare Driver Resource Center

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced an agreement with the Drivers Union to create a Drivers Resource Center.

The center will support drivers who provide ride services for passengers through a transportation network company platform, like Lyft or Uber. It’s the result of a law passed by the state Legislature this year that provides protections for an estimated 85,000 drivers statewide and establishes requirements for the companies.

The $5.4 million, two-year contract runs until Oct. 6, 2024. L&I can renew the agreement annually for up to four consecutive years. The non-profit, Tukwila-based Drivers Union has started providing services to rideshare drivers statewide.

The selection of a contractor to operate the resource center is one step in L&I’s implementation of the law, ESHB 2076. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the law entitles drivers to:

• Minimum compensation rates
• Paid sick time
• Workers’ compensation
• Retaliation and deactivation protections

The role of the resource center includes representing drivers who appeal losing their driving privileges when a company removes from the platform, and providing driver services, outreach, and education.

Topics Personal Auto Washington Sharing Economy