Thousands of Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash drivers are expected to join a nationwide strike on Valentine's Day to demand fair pay, drivers' groups announced on Monday.
Reuters reported that the protest would happen a week after Lyft announced it would guarantee weekly earnings for drivers, a move first in the US ride-hailing industry as it looks for ways to attract more drivers to its platform.
Uber, Lyft, and Doordash Drivers to Strike on Valentine's Day
The demonstrations, organized by drivers classified as independent contractors, aim to highlight their grievances regarding the high commissions taken by the platforms.
Despite Lyft's recent efforts to enhance the driver experience, discontent among drivers persists, with many citing a decline in earnings despite increased workload.
Uber Says Strikes Rarely Have an Impact on Business
Many Uber, Lyft, and Doordash drivers work for these companies to supplement their income from other jobs, but several drivers work full-time for the platforms.
During last week's earnings call, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said that US drivers earned approximately $33 per utilized hour in the fourth quarter.
However, Nicole Moore, president of the California-based Rideshare Drivers United union, told Reuters on Sunday that drivers' pay has significantly decreased "a year into algorithmic pricing," rendering it insufficient to cover current basic living expenses.
"Whatever calculations and algorithms they're using, it's absolutely useless," Moore said.
Jonathan Cruz, a driver in Miami and part of the Justice For App Workers coalition, also told Reuters that he anticipated "thousands and thousands of drivers" to join the protest nationwide.
"This is the biggest strike I've ever seen... it's going to be nationwide," Cruz noted.
However, Uber said such strikes rarely impact its business since only a minority of its drivers participate.
While platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash have become popular options for individuals seeking flexible employment, the upcoming strike underscores the persistent concerns regarding driver compensation and working conditions.
As drivers mobilize for collective action, the strike's outcome may prompt further discussions on labor rights and fair pay within the gig economy.
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