Key Takeaways Uber and Lyft have backed ballot measures across the country that improve driver pay but also enshrine their drivers as non-employees. The companies agreed to a deal Thursday that will pay drivers in Massachusetts a new minimum wage and provide benefits. The drivers will remain independent contractors. The pay guarantee is calculated over a two-week period, rather than pe r ride, which Uber said will keep costs lower for riders. Ride-sharing companies Uber (UBER) and Lyft (LYFT) have been push ...