PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Israel Acevado, Taxi Driver, on Driver Deactivation and For-Hire Vehicle Industry Issues
5:12:57
·
77 sec
Israel Acevado, a taxi driver with 9 years of experience, testifies in support of Intro 276, which would provide a transparent process for driver deactivations. He shares his personal experience of being blocked from the Uber platform for 48 hours due to a false accusation and emphasizes the need for proof before deactivation.
- Acevado highlights the vulnerability of drivers to false accusations from riders
- He questions the classification of drivers as independent contractors, given the restrictions and monitoring imposed by ride-hailing companies
- The testimony underscores the need for better protections and fair treatment of for-hire vehicle drivers
Israel Acevado
5:12:57
Okay.
5:12:58
I've been driving in the fire center for 9 years 4 months, and even though I have never been deactivated, I support intro 276 because it provides a transparent process for drivers such as myself.
5:13:09
In our current state, we are all one right away from deactivation.
5:13:13
From the wealthiest to the poorest riders lie on drivers all the time to reap certain perks and benefits from the companies.
5:13:19
After 6 years of being on the Uber platform, in February of this year, my account was blocked for 48 hours, preventing me from earning because a rider accused me of being under the influence.
5:13:29
I don't drink alcohol or use drugs, and thank God I have an interior dashcam to prove that.
5:13:34
I encourage all drivers to get a dual dashcam.
5:13:37
Neither drivers are the ones that build all the operational expenses to work in this industry.
5:13:41
And these companies should not be able to block or deactivate any driver without proof.
5:13:47
Of the topic, I just wanna mention these things.
5:13:50
These companies classify us as independent contractors.
5:13:53
If we are truly independent contractors, then then why are we provided with the pickup and drop of details before accepting the trip.
5:14:00
Why are we penalized through an acceptance rate when we don't accept the trip?
5:14:04
Shouldn't we be able to accept trips we want and refuse trips we don't want?
5:14:08
Why is our acceptance and cancellation rate monitored?
5:14:11
Thank you for having me, and have a great day.