Over 50 gig workers have been killed on the job in the last 5 years. We will not accept these deaths as normal. On Tuesday, May 10, community members joined Justice for App Workers to mourn delivery workers and drivers who have died on the job due to violence, accidents, COVID, and suicide. We also called on companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and GrubHub to do more to keep workers safe. We need healthcare and mental healthcare, and we need safety protocols that protect us as well as our customers.
Drivers and delivery workers gathered to honor app workers who have died on the job and call for safety reforms.
App companies are not doing enough to keep drivers and delivery workers safe. “In 2013, while driving for Uber, I was carjacked and held at gunpoint. I had no idea if I would make it out alive. After I told Uber what had happened, I never heard anything about it from Uber ever again,” said Muneeb Rehman, a member of Black Car Mafia.
We refuse to stand by as app workers continue to be victims of violence. We are calling on the app companies to implement policies that better protect us on the job. These demands include: no longer enabling customers to use fake names – a practice that makes it easier for criminals to target us in carjackings and violent assaults – ensuring all vehicles are equipped with dash cameras, and establishing a better in-app alert system that allows victims to work directly with the police if we are attacked.
Memorial for Zhiwen Yan – a father, husband, and beloved delivery worker – who was recently murdered while working in Forest Hills, and all delivery workers killed on the job.
App workers also need health and mental healthcare. “We are working 10-12 hours, 6 days a week. And with rising gas prices and car expenses, the money we take home is not enough. That on top of not seeing your family and friends very often can lead some of our brothers and sisters to a very dark place,” said Raul Rivera, President of NYC Drivers Unite. This industry can be incredibly isolating and pressures of the job continue to grow as expenses increase. App companies need to provide the workers that keep this industry running with sufficient support.
Raul Rivera, Uber driver and founder of NYC Drivers Unite.
This is why Justice for App Workers is fighting for our right to bargain with the app companies. We need the ability to advocate for safety in all aspects of our work. And as we continue the fight for a safer industry, we will always remember the lives that were lost, including:
- Mohammed Hossain, a Lyft driver killed by a drunk driver.
- Jose Henriquez, an Uber driver who passed away from COVID-19.
- Salauddin Bablu, a bike delivery worker stabbed for his electric bike.
- Xing Long Lin, a bike delivery worker murdered by a reckless driver.
- Kuldip Singh, a 21 year old Uber driver shot during an attempted robbery.
- Farhan Zahid, an Uber driver struck by a speeding driver going the wrong way.
- Reza Hakim, an Uber driver who died from COVID-19.
- Farooq Bhai, an Uber driver who lost his battle to COVID-19.
- Salvador Navarrete Flores, a bike delivery worker who crashed into an illegally parked truck.
- Ganiou Gandonou, an Uber driver fatally stabbed in this car.
- Luis Martínez, an Uber driver who passed from COVID-19.
- Emran Hossain, an Uber driver killed in a car accident while working.
The memorial was covered by media outlets such as PIX11 News, amNY, Univision, Telemundo, and more.
How can you get involved?
Our historic movement is growing. If you’re an individual driver, delivery worker, or organization representing these workers, come be a part of our fight and raise your voice for justice in our industry. Click here to join the movement!
You can also stay up to date on our latest actions and news coverage on social media!
- Twitter: @StandWithJFAW
- Facebook: @JusticeForAppWorkers
- Instagram: @JusticeForAppWorkers