Thousands of Drivers for Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash to Strike on Valentine’s Day for Fair Pay
On Valentine’s Day, drivers for popular ride-sharing platforms Uber and Lyft, as well as food delivery app DoorDash, are expected to go on strike across the United States to demand fair pay, according to drivers’ groups. The demonstrations come on the heels of Lyft’s recent announcement that it will guarantee weekly earnings for drivers, a first in the U.S. ride-hailing industry. Lyft hopes this move will attract more drivers to its platform and improve the overall driver experience.
The drivers, who are classified as independent contractors, have long accused these platforms of taking excessive commissions from their earnings. “This is the biggest strike I’ve ever seen, thousands and thousands of drivers… it’s going to be nationwide,” said Jonathan Cruz, a driver in Miami and a member of the Justice For App Workers coalition, which represents over 100,000 drivers. The drivers’ demands for fairer pay reflect their frustration with the current state of affairs.
In response to the planned strike, Uber stated that only a minority of its drivers participate in such actions, which rarely have a significant impact on business. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi pointed out that drivers in the U.S. earned about $33 per utilized hour in the fourth quarter, implying that drivers are adequately compensated. However, many drivers argue that algorithmic pricing has led to a considerable decrease in their earnings. “Whatever calculations and algorithms they’re using, it’s absolutely useless,” said Nicole Moore, president of the California-based Rideshare Drivers United union.
According to data from Gridwise, a gig mobility analysis firm, Uber drivers’ monthly average gross earnings dropped by 17.1% in 2023, while those of Lyft drivers increased by 2.5%. This discrepancy highlights the need for better compensation for drivers across the industry. Shantwan Humphrey, a driver in Dallas, Texas, expressed concern over the inability of drivers to earn a livable wage. “By not paying drivers a livable wage, drivers are barely able to afford the bare necessities,” Humphrey said.
Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash have yet to comment on the upcoming strike. As thousands of drivers prepare to walk off the job, it remains to be seen how these platforms w
Analyst comment
Negative news: Thousands of drivers for Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash are set to strike on Valentine’s Day, demanding fair pay. The drivers’ frustrations with low earnings and excessive commissions highlight the need for better compensation. This strike could have significant repercussions for the gig economy, putting pressure on platforms to address drivers’ demands for fairer treatment and wages.
