On Valentine’s Day, app drivers in 12 cities across the country are planning to go on strike. They are demanding better wages, safety measures, and job security protections. The strike, organized by Justice for App Workers, a national coalition of ride-sharing and delivery drivers, aims to highlight the mistreatment of drivers by app companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.
In a statement released on February 8th, the coalition called on all drivers who are tired of being mistreated to join the strike by refusing to offer rides from the airport. They are also planning to picket outside airports and Uber offices to further amplify their demands.
The main issues that drivers are raising include low wages and a lack of safety measures. Many drivers are working long hours just to make ends meet and are constantly worried about their safety. They feel that app companies are not doing enough to address these concerns and ensure the long-term viability of working as a driver.
At this stage, drivers in 12 cities across seven states have actions planned. These cities include Austin, Chicago, Hartford, Miami, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Rhode Island, and Tampa. The coalition also encourages drivers in other locations to hold strike events and reach out for support.
This strike is significant as it is the first since Uber and Lyft went public in 2019. It reflects the growing frustration among drivers regarding the platforms’ high commissions and the decrease in their earnings. According to Gridwise, a delivery driver and rideshare assistant app, Uber drivers saw their gross earnings fall by 17 percent in 2023, while Lyft drivers had a small increase of 2.5 percent in earnings.
Amidst these concerns, Uber and Lyft have made some changes to address the drivers’ grievances. Lyft has agreed to pay the difference if drivers make less than 70 percent of a rider’s fare after external fees. This policy change aims to ensure that drivers earn a fair wage. Additionally, Lyft has revamped its policies to allow drivers to appeal a deactivation decision in the Lyft driver app.
Deactivation is a major concern for drivers as it essentially means getting fired from the company. Drivers are not considered employees and have fewer protections, making it easier for companies to deactivate them. Offenses that can lead to deactivation range from driving under the influence to more serious offenses like assault.
Uber has also announced updated processes for deactivating a driver’s account, including creating a pathway to review deactivation decisions. These changes show that the app companies are slowly acknowledging the drivers’ concerns, but it remains to be seen if they will be enough to address the larger issues raised by the striking drivers.
The Epoch Times reached out to Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash for comment on the strike and drivers’ concerns, but there has been no response yet.
Overall, the Valentine’s Day strike organized by app drivers highlights their demands for better wages, safety measures, and job security protections. It sheds light on the mistreatment of drivers by app companies and the need for reform in the gig economy. The strike serves as a wake-up call for these companies to listen to their drivers and address their concerns to ensure a fair and sustainable working environment.
