Amidst the romantic buzz of Valentine’s Day, ride-sharing and delivery drivers across several U.S. cities near airports are preparing to make a powerful statement. Justice for App Workers, a national coalition representing these drivers, has announced plans to strike on Valentine’s Day, highlighting the pressing need for fair wages and improved safety measures.
In a recent announcement, the coalition emphasized the importance of addressing the financial concerns and job security of drivers. The coalition stressed that drivers should not fear financial instability or unjust deactivations from the apps they rely on. Their call to action extends beyond the drivers themselves, urging the public to support them as they demand transformative changes from companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.
The impact of the strike is expected to be felt in several key locations. Drivers in Rhode Island and the cities of Austin, Chicago, Hartford, Miami, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Tampa will abstain from providing rides to and from the airport throughout the day.
In response to the upcoming strike, Uber has highlighted the strength of earnings for its drivers, stating that as of Q4 2023, drivers in the U.S. were making around $33 per utilized hour. The company also spotlighted updated processes for deactivating driver accounts, underscoring efforts to protect drivers from false allegations and provide pathways for those wrongly accused of driving under the influence to resume their work by submitting a drug test.
Similarly, Lyft has communicated its commitment to enhancing the driver experience, outlining the recent improvements to its deactivation process and driver program. The company announced changes to ensure that drivers receive at least 70 percent of riders’ fares after external fees, along with the ability to appeal deactivation decisions directly through the Lyft driver app.
Lyft’s spokesperson emphasized that these changes are part of a customer-centric approach focused on drivers, which includes a new minimum earnings guarantee and an improved deactivation appeals process. These efforts align with the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening driver pay and transparency, reflecting a proactive stance in responding to the concerns of its driving workforce.
As discussions on fair compensation for app-based workers intensify, the Valentine’s Day strikes become a critical turning point in the ongoing conversation about labor rights and the treatment of gig economy workers. The collective action of these drivers serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of advocating for unbiased treatment and fair pay in the modern workforce.