Considering the significant dependence many individuals now have on rideshare and delivery services, particularly heightened during the pandemic, Uber is actively requesting that these workers receive prioritized access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Uber’s Chief Executive Officer, Dara Khosrowshahi, recently dispatched a letter to the governors of all fifty states, requesting they classify drivers and delivery personnel as essential workers and grant them early vaccine access.

“For the past nine months, these individuals have served as a critical support system for their local areas,” Khosrowshahi stated within the correspondence. “They have provided transportation for medical professionals to hospitals, facilitated food delivery to those observing social distancing guidelines, and contributed to the continued operation of numerous local businesses.”

The letter emphasizes Khosrowshahi’s position that the services provided by drivers and delivery personnel are now fundamentally essential. Consequently, Uber is advocating for them to receive the vaccine “promptly, conveniently, and without cost,” as outlined in the letter. Furthermore, Uber has expressed its willingness to assist in disseminating vaccine information and promoting vaccination among eligible individuals.

“Following nine months of consistent service maintaining community functionality, we are requesting that governors across all fifty states prioritize drivers and delivery workers for initial vaccine distribution,” stated Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, in a communication to TechCrunch. “Uber is prepared to utilize all available resources—including our technological capabilities, logistical proficiency, and overall resources—to safeguard the individuals operating on our platform and expedite the delivery of vaccines to the public as effectively as possible.”

This letter directed to state governors supplements a previous communication Uber sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urging the inclusion of essential workers outside of the healthcare sector in the initial phases of vaccine distribution.

Uber’s efforts to advocate for its workforce occur against a backdrop of ongoing debate regarding the proper classification of rideshare drivers and delivery personnel. Uber has consistently maintained that its workers are independent contractors, while many gig workers contend they are incorrectly categorized and should be recognized as employees with the associated labor rights.