Kansas City Drivers Rally for Union Representation Amid Microtransit Struggles

Kansas City Drivers Seek Union Representation Amidst Microtransit Challenges

In the quiet hours of the morning in Kansas City, Bakar Mohamed revs up his car, proudly displaying the purple IRIS logo. As he conducts a quick checklist of the vehicle in the predawn darkness, his family remains nestled in sleep, oblivious to the demanding day ahead for Mohamed.

After four years behind the wheel as a truck driver, Mohamed made the leap to the IRIS transit program, an initiative designed to offer microtransit options launched in 2023. The appeal was two-fold: a competitive pay rate of $37 an hour and the coveted flexibility to choose his own schedule. “The recruiter painted a rosy picture,” Mohamed recalls, clearly sold on the promise of potentially earning up to $100,000 a year while being his own boss.

The Reality of IRIS Drivers

However, the reality for Mohamed and his fellow drivers has been quite different. Many claim the promised wages have evaporated beneath a mountain of steep fees and closely monitored operations, leaving them to struggle with earnings that can dip below half of what was initially advertised. In recent weeks, around 120 drivers, IRIS passengers, and union supporters rallied outside zTrip’s East Side headquarters advocating for their rights and the formation of a union.

A pivotal issue is the classification of IRIS drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, significantly affecting their wages and benefits. Unlike their counterparts who drive for traditional buses in Kansas City, who enjoy unionized benefits and protections, IRIS drivers are left to navigate a landscape riddled with high costs, limited control, and intense scrutiny.

The Cost of Doing Business

A striking illustration of these challenges is the daily $95 fee drivers like Mohamed must pay to rent their vehicles—regardless of whether they actually drive on that day. “On Sunday, the car just sits,” he shares. “But I still have to pay $95.” On top of vehicle rental, drivers also tackle additional fees such as:

• $25 weekly for insurance
• $11 monthly for cleaning
• $50 daily for gasoline
• $200 tablet deposit plus $5 weekly for a device that connects them to riders

To top it all off, drivers see deductions from their paychecks, including a flat $89 for pre-hire drug testing.

A Grind for Survival

With all of these fees, many IRIS drivers report working upwards of 65 to 70 hours per week just to break even or avoid falling into debt with zTrip. Darian Hall, another driver who spoke at the rally, detailed how he has resorted to donating plasma to supplement his income, working 10-hour shifts six days a week. Despite the exhaustive hours, drivers do not receive overtime pay due to their classification as contractors.

“It’s just not feasible,” Mohamed laments, pointing out that IRIS drivers must adhere to preset shifts assigned by the company—not unlike traditional jobs, but without any of the associated benefits.

The Call for Change

In a bid to improve their working conditions, IRIS drivers are campaigning for union recognition, believing that such a move could lead to better wages and job security. City Councilmember Eric Bunch and Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw joined the drivers at their rally, marking a united front against the current operational model.

“Because we are using taxpayer dollars to fund this program,” Parks-Shaw assured her commitment to investigate the treatment of drivers, emphasizing the need for fair pay. Yet, zTrip’s CEO, Bill George, remains firm in his stance, defending the contractor structure while acknowledging the need for the city’s involvement in policing terms of employment.

Microtransit vs. Traditional Transit

As the discussion about microtransit programs like IRIS heats up, a broader question looms regarding the efficacy of these services. Currently, as RideKC continues to cut essential bus routes across the metro area, some see IRIS as a necessary alternative. However, experts argue that microtransit can’t genuinely substitute mass transportation. The cost per ride ranges from $3 to $10, while bus services remain free for now—a significant financial consideration for low-income riders.

Despite his long hours and fatigue, Mohamed shows unwavering determination. “I can’t wait for someone else to make change happen,” he insists, reflecting a commitment not only to his family but also to advocating for fair conditions for fellow drivers. With the dreams of enjoying time with family and driving toward a better life still echoing in his mind, hope for reform keeps him pushing forward amidst the long days and tough battles ahead.