MINNEAPOLIS — A group of six rideshare drivers has filed a lawsuit against Eid Ali, the president of the Minnesota Uber/Lyft Drivers Association (MULDA), accusing him of deceptive practices amid ongoing efforts to secure better pay. The legal action illuminates deepening tensions within an organization that played a pivotal role in the labor disputes with major rideshare companies in the region.
The plaintiffs, which include four board members of MULDA, allege that Ali committed consumer fraud by soliciting money under the guise of association memberships and donations. According to the lawsuit, the funds were collected through the organization’s website, even as Ali is accused of amending MULDA’s articles of incorporation to state that it no longer has members.
Attorney Tim Maher, representing the disillusioned drivers, stated that his clients faced resistance when they sought transparency regarding MULDA’s operations. “When they requested documents to oversee what was going on, they were informed that they’ve been removed from the board,” Maher explained.
In response to these claims, Maher has requested a judicial injunction to prevent the removal of these board members while the court deliberates on the matter.
Countering the allegations, Stephen Cooper, the attorney defending Ali and MULDA, argued that the collected funds were not intended for memberships but were contributions towards legal support for legislative battles involving the rights of rideshare workers. “They have absolutely no evidence of any misdeeds at all,” Cooper asserted. He further argued that the payments were part of a broader fundraising effort rather than membership dues.
The conflict has taken on additional layers as the plaintiffs accuse Ali and the current MULDA leadership of undermining the collective unity by arguing that there has been a misallocation of resources and efforts. Some disaffected members have even begun encouraging others to join alternative unions such as the SEIU, citing a lack of trust in the current leadership’s motives and policies.
A video, submitted as an exhibit in the court case, captures one of the plaintiffs stating, “We’ve already defeated Uber and Lyft. Now it’s time to defeat the individuals who are trying to misuse our organization.”
The ongoing lawsuit and internal strife highlight the broader struggles faced by gig economy workers as they seek greater representation and fairness in their employment terms. These issues reflect persistent questions about worker classification, rights, and the adequacy of protections offered to those in non-traditional employment arrangements.
As the case proceeds, the judge is expected to make a ruling soon, which could have significant implications for the governance of MULDA and potentially influence broader efforts to organize and represent rideshare drivers in the legislative arena.
This lawsuit is a critical moment for rideshare drivers in Minnesota, testing the integrity and leadership of an organization that has been at the forefront of advocating for better conditions in the gig economy. The outcome may redefine what solidarity and membership mean in the era of digital platforms and gig work, setting a precedent for similar disputes in other regions.