Thousands of drivers across the U.S. are gearing up for a Valentine’s Day strike, demanding fair compensation from major ride-sharing and delivery companies.
Justice for App Workers, representing over 100,000 drivers, has spearheaded this protest, denouncing what they perceive as unjust wages and excessive commission deductions by Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.
In a bold statement, the coalition declared that drivers shouldn’t struggle to make ends meet while these companies profit off their hard work. The drivers are fed up with enduring long hours, safety concerns, and the constant threat of deactivation at the whim of these platforms.
The timing of the strike coincides with Lyft’s recent announcement of guaranteed weekly earnings for drivers, a move aimed at attracting more drivers to the platform. However, Justice for App Workers remains resolute in their demands for sustainable pay and transparency.
Uber, in response, downplayed the impact of such strikes, citing the minority of drivers involved. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasised that U.S. drivers earned around $33 per utilized hour in the last quarter, although data suggests a decline in earnings for Uber drivers over the past year.
Demonstrations are slated in various cities nationwide, including Austin, Chicago, Miami, and Philadelphia, reflecting the widespread discontent among drivers.
Jonathan Cruz, a Miami-based driver and coalition member, described the strike as unprecedented in scale, highlighting the significant participation expected.
For many drivers, these gig economy jobs serve as crucial income supplements, but decreasing pay and inadequate support have led to mounting frustration.
Nicole Moore, president of Rideshare Drivers United, condemned the algorithmic pricing systems, which she argues have drastically reduced driver earnings.
Shantwan Humphrey, a driver from Dallas, echoed these sentiments, stressing that inadequate wages leave drivers struggling to meet basic needs.