Uber and Lyft drivers around the world are protesting the ride-hailing giants today.
Drivers turned off their apps and held demonstrations in 10 U.S. cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, as well as some European locations like London.
The global protest is happening ahead of Uber’s initial public stock offering this Friday. Uber hopes to raise $9 billion, putting the company’s valuation in excess of $91 billion.
Drivers in L.A. are participating in a 24-hour strike and picket line at Los Angeles International Airport.
The drivers’ demands, among other things, include increased fares per mile and a decrease in commissions paid to the ride sharing companies. Uber released a statement addressing today’s events, saying that “thousands of people come into work at Uber every day focused on how to make [the drivers’] experience better, on and off the road.”
If you’re an Uber or Lyft driver, tell us about your experience driving for them. Join the conversation at 866-893-5722
With files from the Associated Press.
AirTalk contacted Uber and Lyft to request that someone be made available for our discussion. Uber was unable to make a guest available but provided us with this statement:
Drivers are at the heart of our service─we can’t succeed without them─and thousands of people come into work at Uber every day focused on how to make their experience better, on and off the road. Whether it’s more consistent earnings, stronger insurance protections or fully-funded four-year degrees for drivers or their families, we’ll continue working to improve the experience for and with drivers.
Lyft was also unable to make a guest available but provided us with this statement:
Lyft drivers’ hourly earnings have increased 7% over the last two years, and they have earned more than $14B since we launched. Over 75 percent drive less than 10 hours a week to supplement existing jobs. On average, Lyft drivers earn over $20 per hour. We know that access to flexible, extra income makes a big difference for millions of people, and we’re constantly working to improve how we can best serve our driver community.
Guests:
David Wagner, reporter covering business and the economy for KPCC who is at Los Angeles International Airport this morning covering the strike and rally; he tweets
Carolyn Said, business and technology reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle, where she’s been covering the story; she tweets
Harry Campbell, Los Angeles-based Uber and Lyft driver and founder of theRideShareGuy.com, a blog and podcast for rideshare drivers; he tweets
