Kaelee Collins, Emma McCorkin, and Madeline Wilson, WWLP

Local drivers and supporters gathered at Omnipoint Cyber Café in Springfield to make their desire for continued flexibility and independence known. There’s been a push at the state level to classify drivers of rideshares like Uber and Lyft as employees rather than independent contractors. Some drivers worry this would in turn take away the very flexibility that drew them to the job.

“A lot of our businesses rely on these drivers both in terms of getting their employees there sometimes and then there’s also the obvious driving for restaurants and retail operations,” said Diana Szynal, President of the Springfield Regional Chamber.