THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 24, 2020 Page 7 ~ Editorial & Opinion ~ Uber and Lyft continue to have unfair advantage over taxi companies F or the past 11 years, taxi companies that have been around for decades have been struggling to compete with rideshare companies, most notably, Uber Technologies, Inc. and Lyft, Inc. We believe that healthy business competition is good for the consumer; however, there needs to be a level playing fi eld. That has not been the case with the taxi and rideshare companies. Unlike the taxi companies, Uber and Lyft are somehow exempt from state regulations. We also agree with the lawsuit recently fi led by Attorney General Maura Healey maintaining that Uber and Lyft drivers are employees rather than independent contractors. Therefore, they should be protected under the state’s wage and hour laws. This protection would grant them the right to receive minimum wage, overtime pay and earned sick time. “Uber and Lyft have built their billion-dollar businesses while denying their drivers basic employee protections and benefi ts for years,” said Healey. “This business model is unfair and exploitative. We are seeking this determination from the court because these drivers have a right to be treated fairly.” Why this has not been the case right along is beyond comprehension. Market them anyway you want, but at the end of the day, Uber and Lyft are also taxi companies. Last year alone, Uber reported revenue of $14.1 billion while Lyft reported revenue of $3.6 billion. Clearly, they can aff ord to treat their employees fairly and obey the state’s regulations. AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is Your Vehicle Blowing Hot Air on Hot Days?!! AC SPECIAL Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2012 KIA SOUL 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA One Owner, Most Power Options, 101K Miles, Warranty, Runs & Looks Great! FUN IN THE SUN! $6,500 Easy Financing Available! EddiesAutotech.com dine drink SAFE SUMMER | FROM PAGE 6 and Police Departments. “I think it’s about time the kids got to see one another,” said Program Director Sam Amada. “It’s been a long spring for them.” The camp also provides an opportunity for Everett’s young adults to gain employment opportunities. Youths ages 17 and older serve as program counselors to mentor, lead and help the youngsters who attend the program. To sign up a child for the program, please complete a registration form by Thursday online, on the city ’s website. You may also complete the form at the Health & Wellness Center. gather enjo Friday, July 24 at 9PM The Led Zeppelin Tribute Band IN THE LIGHT y LIVE MUSIC ON THE PATIO EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT! JULY 16 - Kevin Kennedy JULY 23 - Acoustic Duo AUGUST 6 - Freddie G's Happy Hour Band Two Amazing Nights One Legendary Band! ~ HOURS ~ Open 7 Days a Week Monday thru Sunday * Breakfast * Lunch * Take-Out Saturday, August 1 at 9PM MOJO SLIM WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! INDOOR SEATING & OUTDOOR DINING We Practice Safe Social Distancing & Cleaning 325 Main St., Saugus * (781) 558-2070 irontownsaugus.com Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma Pizza “2 for Tuesday” Indulge in our Pizza "2 for Tuesday" every Tuesdays at Breakaway. A deal that you can't resist! You have the option to dine in or pick up! To learn more, call us at 978-774-7270. 221 Newbury Street, Danvers For Tickets call (978) 774-7270 or www.breakawaydanvers.com FORTUNE Thursday, July 30 & Friday, July 31 A Breakaway Favorite! Friday, August 7 at 9PM WILDFIRE Only 104K Miles, One Owner, Most Power Options, in Excellent Condition. QUALITY & PRICE $7,250 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle!
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