In a bold move advocating for rideshare drivers' pay equity, the Minneapolis City Council passed the Rideshare Minimum Compensation Ordinance last Thursday, shutting down a pay loophole and ensuring rideshare workers are entitled to the same $15.57 minimum wage afforded to others in the city. Authored by Chavez, Council Member Wonsley, and Council Member Osman, the legislation saw a hearty 9-4 favorable vote, overcoming potential veto threats, as reported by the City of Minneapolis.
Despite Uber and Lyft ringing the alarm bells with threats to up and leave Minneapolis, claiming a dramatic upheaval of their business model, the undeniable fact stands — the majority of their drivers are immigrants and people of color earning below the minimum wage, with Uber and Lyft's 2023 billion-dollar profits towering over the discrepancy.
An unfortunate blaze decimated Camp Nenookaasi, a sanctuary for over 50 unsheltered individuals, raising serious questions and apprehensions about the cause — accident or hate crime, a chilling possibility following an earlier porta potty arson. Council Member Chavez is pressing for clear answers and transparency from the Minneapolis Police Department and the Office of Public Service amidst this ongoing criminal investigation "Ward 9 Update" detailed the urgency for clarity and justice, according to the City of Minneapolis.
As Minneapolis advances towards improving public health and safety, Chavez announced the adoption of the Public Health and Safety Committee Work Plan which promises actions for a thriving and safe Minneapolis, supported by unanimous City Council input. Launching a U Visa & T Visa Policy with a kickoff event, and discussing new community safety strategies for Lake Street, the City Council is pushing the envelope on public engagement and inclusivity while addressing long-standing societal issues.
