“National Driver Day of Action” Against Lyft and Uber Includes 44 Cities
On the “National Driver Day of Action,” or Valentine’s Day, members of the Rideshare Drivers United organized strikes in 44 cities across the United States and Canada, as reported by KCAL 9 News. The protest targeted major rideshare companies, including Lyft and Uber, accusing them of significantly increasing their share of the fare at the expense of drivers. The day-long strike aimed to draw attention to the drivers’ concerns about the companies taking up to 70% and 80% of customer fares, leaving them with only 20-to-30% to cover essential expenses like gas and car maintenance.
Protestors argue that this revenue distribution leaves drivers with insufficient income to support themselves and their families, emphasizing the need for a fair and livable wage. Rideshare Drivers United highlighted that drivers are currently facing their worst earnings during this winter period, prompting the Valentine’s Day action as a continuation of their demand for fairness.
Los Angeles saw drivers gather outside the Uber Greenlight Hub on Beverly Drive, beginning their protest at noon. Earlier this week, when the strike was announced, there was no mention of strikes in Los Angeles, but some of the drivers in the city joined the strike anyway.
An Uber representative issued a statement to KCAL News, downplaying the potential impact of such events on their operations. The statement emphasized that the majority of drivers are content with their earnings, citing an average of $33 per utilized hour in the last quarter. Uber also pledged to address driver feedback, incorporating new safety features into the app and enhancing account deactivation processes.
