Statement from the Independent Drivers Guild on 8th Driver Suicide

Statement from the Independent Drivers Guild on 8th Driver Suicide:

We are deeply saddened to learn yet another New York City professional driver has taken his own life amid reports of deep debt. The 8th reported this year. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Roy Kim.

The For-Hire Vehicle industry is in a far reaching crisis that is affecting thousands of families across our city right now. Years of sub minimum wage pay, mounting bills, exploitative bosses and punishing shifts have taken a great toll on our city’s for-hire drivers.

Our message to drivers is to hold on: we are SO close to making this industry better, and you are not alone.  We encourage drivers who are feeling low or distressed to reach out to NYC Well and get involved in the IDG where we take care of each other like brothers and sisters.
We are developing a mental health and wellness program which we hope will prevent more from families from losing their loved one. The program will launch in the coming months with the support of the Black Car Fund.
NYC WELL INFO:
You can text “Well” to 65173, call 1-888-NYC-Well, or chat online with a counselor at: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/get-help-now/chat-with-a-counselor-now. Interpreters are available for more than 200 languages

The Independent Drivers Guild is a Machinists Union affiliate which represents and advocates for 70,000 app-based drivers in New York City. 
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