Connect with us

Minneapolis, MN

Uber/Lyft in Minneapolis: City council proposes extension to rideshare ordinance implementation

Published

on

Uber/Lyft in Minneapolis: City council proposes extension to rideshare ordinance implementation


The Minneapolis City Council is considering a delay to its new policies for rideshare driver pay in an effort to better prepare for changes to the industry.

As it stands, the council’s ordinance mandating higher pay is slated to go into effect May 1. Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne and council members Katie Cashman and Aurin Chowdhury announced Wednesday morning they’ll introduce a measure to push that date to July 1.

Uber and Lyft say they’ll leave Minnesota if the rule takes effect; other companies are considering moves to the state. The state Legislature is working on creating its own policies, too. Council members said that an extension will give everyone more time to get ready for a smooth transition.

The council will vote on the extension Thursday.

Advertisement

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone – free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Uber and Lyft stickers are prominently displayed on driver Farhan Badel’s Toyota Camry as he drives during a shift in Minneapolis on March 28.

Ben Hovland | MPR News

Three new rideshare companies have submitted applications to work in Minneapolis to fill the void if Uber and Lyft leave, according to the statement.

The release stated the extension is to ensure “limited disruption in the transition to new rideshare service companies and allowing the Minneapolis City Council to track discussions and continue ongoing collaborations with state officials in their work to craft a statewide policy.

Advertisement

“Supporters of an extension believe this will provide the needed time to allow new companies to be ready to serve the diverse communities who rely on these services while ensuring the largely immigrant workforce can live and work in dignity.”

The full statement from council members Payne, Cashman and Chowdhury reads:

“Uber and Lyft drivers are being paid a subminimum wage and that is fundamentally wrong and goes against our shared values. We passed this ordinance because the current rideshare system is broken, and we were shocked to see the way it is leading to exploitative labor practices. Inaction was not and is not a choice. This ordinance is one step forward in correcting this broken system.

“These changes will allow for any companies that want to work in the city and pay the fair wage time to set up in the event Uber and Lyft choose to leave Minneapolis instead of paying workers a living wage. We know that three new rideshare companies to date have submitted applications for Transportation Network Company licenses, and we want to ensure there is limited disruption in allowing these companies and others time to be up and running.

“This is a good faith extension for us as Council Members to work on our legislative process, collaborate with leaders in the state, ensure drivers have the fair compensation they need, and support emerging rideshare companies and riders adopting them. It is on Uber and Lyft to decide if they will treat their workers fairly, pay them adequately, or continue their egregious behavior in scaring the public with their threats to leave the people of Minneapolis behind.”

Advertisement



Source link

Minneapolis, MN

Whitefish council creates proclamation in solidarity with city, citizens of Minneapolis

Published

on

Whitefish council creates proclamation in solidarity with city, citizens of Minneapolis


The Whitefish City Council in February presented and signed a proclamation expressing solidarity with the city and citizens of Minneapolis.

The proclamation states that Whitefish mourns the loss of life that occurred in Minneapolis and stands in solidarity with its residents.

It reaffirms the city’s commitment to equal treatment under the law and emphasizes that peaceful protest is a fundamental American right.

The proclamation was supported by five of the six council members.

Advertisement

Mayor John Muhlfeld said the action was meant to reaffirm the city’s values.

“A mayoral proclamation that is supported by five of six City Council members supporting solidarity with the city and citizens of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and reaffirming our supportive, just, equal and welcoming community,” Muhlfeld said. “I think this is somewhat overdue. Our town’s been through a lot over the years, This is more importantly to reaffirm our values as a council with our community because we care deeply about you.”

Over the last year, Whitefish has faced criticism amid rising tensions surrounding the Department of Homeland Security.

Comment with Bubbles

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Advertisement

View the full proclamation below.



Source link

Continue Reading

Minneapolis, MN

City officials report less speeding at corners with traffic cameras in Minneapolis

Published

on

City officials report less speeding at corners with traffic cameras in Minneapolis


By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR’s or APMG entities’ programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.



Source link

Continue Reading

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis man sentenced to nearly 30 years for murder of Deshaun Hill

Published

on

Minneapolis man sentenced to nearly 30 years for murder of Deshaun Hill



A Minneapolis man who pleaded guilty to murdering a high school student in 2022 was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison on Monday.

Advertisement

It was the second time Cody Fohrenkam was sentenced for fatally shooting 15-year-old Deshaun Hill. He was convicted and sentenced to more than 38 years in prison in February 2023, but the Minnesota Court of Appeals later reversed the conviction and granted him a retrial based on illegally obtained incriminating statements.

Fohrenkam, 33, agreed to a plea deal as his second trial was set to start, pleading guilty to one count of second-degree intentional murder in exchange for Monday’s 340-month sentence. The judge presiding over the hearing gave him credit for 1,476 days already served.

Fohrenkam shot and killed Hill while Hill was walking to a bus stop just blocks from Minneapolis North High School, where Hill was a star quarterback and honor roll student.

One of Hill’s aunts said in a statement shortly before the judge sentenced Fohrenkam that her nephew was “full of life.”

“When he spoke, you listened. He had a soft spirit and a good heart,” she said. “Deshaun was an artist who, as you all know, he took his education seriously. He had dreams and goals. He worked hard to make his family proud.”

Advertisement

This story will be updated.



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending