US Ride-Share and Delivery Drivers to Strike on Valentine’s Day for Fair Pay

In a move set to disrupt the Valentine’s Day plans of many, thousands of drivers for ride-sharing platforms Uber, Lyft, and food delivery app DoorDash are preparing to strike across the United States. The drivers are seeking fair pay and are accusing the platforms of taking disproportionately high amounts as commissions.

The strike, which marks the first significant action since Uber and Lyft went public in 2019, is scheduled to take place about a week after Lyft announced that it would pay the difference if drivers made less than 70% of what riders paid after external fees each week. The drivers, considered independent contractors, have expressed dissatisfaction with their earnings, with some claiming that they can barely afford the bare necessities due to not being paid a livable wage.

The Justice For App Workers coalition, representing approximately 130,000 drivers and delivery workers, has announced that its members will not provide rides to and from airports between 11 am and 1 pm in 10 U.S. cities. Some drivers have cited a steep decrease in their pay despite the increase in the number of rides they provide.

Uber and Lyft have responded to the impending strike, with Uber stating that driver earnings remain strong and that drivers in the U.S. were making about $33 per utilized hour as of Q4 2023. On the other hand, Lyft has mentioned that it is constantly working to improve the driver experience.

The drivers’ strike is expected to make a significant impact, with picketing planned outside airports and Uber offices as drivers seek to draw attention to their demands for fair and livable pay. This demonstration reflects the ongoing tension between gig economy workers and the platforms they work for, with drivers calling for better compensation and working conditions. The impact of the strike on the operations of these platforms and the public’s response will undoubtedly be closely watched.