Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash Drivers Plan Valentine’s Day Strike Over Pay and Safety Concerns
Thousands of Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash drivers are preparing to go on strike this Valentine’s Day to protest against lower pay and unsafe working conditions. The demonstration, organized by Rideshare Drivers United, an independent union, aims to draw attention to the “significant decrease in pay” that drivers have experienced during the winter season. The Justice For App Workers coalition, representing over 100,000 drivers, expressed their frustration, stating, “We’re sick of working 80 hours a week just to make ends meet, being constantly scared for our safety and worrying about being deactivated with the click of a button.”
To make their voices heard, the drivers plan to turn off their apps on Wednesday, effectively halting their services. Additionally, they have decided not to provide rides to or from airports in ten major cities across the United States. These cities include Austin, Chicago, Hartford, Miami, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, and Tampa. The drivers will also hold rallies at midday in these airports to further emphasize their demands.
While Uber downplayed the potential impact of the strike, citing a previous driver protest that had no effect on business, the drivers remain determined to fight for their rights. Uber stated that driver earnings remain strong and highlighted that as of Q4 2023, drivers in the U.S. were making an average of $33 per utilized hour. Lyft drivers using their own vehicles earned $30.68 an hour, including tips and bonuses, during the second half of 2023. After deducting expenses, their earnings amounted to $23.46 per hour. Lyft recently made efforts to address long-standing criticisms about driver compensation by promising that its drivers would receive at least 70% of the fare paid by clients.
The Valentine’s Day strike serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by gig economy workers. While these platforms have provided flexible work opportunities, concerns about fair pay and safety have persisted. The drivers’ decision to take collective action demonstrates their determination to bring about change and demand better treatment from the companies they work for.
As the strike unfolds, it remains to be seen how Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash will respond to the drivers’ demands. The outcome of this demonstration could have far-reaching implications for the gig economy and the rights of its workers.
