Uber drivers strike due to Uber’s decision not to give any raise to their drivers. Uber, which has come to the agenda with its hacking in the past days, is on the agenda this time with ignoring the wishes of its drivers. The demonstration follows Uber’s successful legal battle to stop a planned salary increase and a rate increase for Uber drivers in the city.
On Monday morning, some 100 drivers crossed the Brooklyn Bridge into lower Manhattan to demand that the business take action. The corporation is being accused by drivers of taking raises that were due to take effect today.
Before going over the bridge with signs attached to their automobiles demanding higher pay, they congregated under the BQE in downtown Brooklyn.
We believe we've already surpassed that number, not including passenger boycotts. In other words, we're striking at the standard Uber has claimed would cause them damage.
*** If Uber says this strike hasn't affected them, then the raise shouldn't either. *** #UberStrike pic.twitter.com/k8EaqkOMjK
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) December 19, 2022
Why did Uber drivers strike?
After Uber opposed the raise and proposed fee increases by the Taxi and Limousine Commission, a federal judge temporarily stopped the anticipated 11 percent pay increase.
Inflation and high gas prices were two reasons given by the Taxi and Limousine Commission for their decision to raise rates and pay for their drivers. Uber argued that any rise would be countered by the fact that gas costs have decreased since reaching record highs in the spring and summer.
Uber stated, “Drivers do critical work and deserve to be paid fairly, but rates should be calculated in a way that is transparent, consistent, and predictable.”
A temporary restraining order was imposed by the judge until the case could be considered in court on January 31. Even though Uber drivers won’t receive the promised wage increase on Monday, taxi costs are still rising citywide by nearly 16 percent.
Jose Taveras came to the USA as an immigrant. He has worked as a driver full-time for 7 years. This is how I feed my kids,” Taveras said:
“This is how I pay my bills and this is how I accomplish my dreams. We want Uber to be successful, a successful company, but we also want Uber to be fair. Play fair.”
NYC Uber drivers strike and they are trying to make their voices heard on social media
Reactions to Uber, which announced that it will not raise its drivers as the new year approaches, are growing like an avalanche on social media. While drivers blame Uber on Twitter, many Uber users say they will not make any trips via Uber and stand behind the drivers on the social media platform.
The New York taxi workers’ Twitter account shared the following banner on their profile to support the Uber drivers strike:
🚨📢🚨UBER STRIKE🚨📢🚨
Vindictive, greedy @Uber sued to steal our hard-fought, desperately needed raise. They don't see our humanity. Don't let them see their profits. DRIVER STRIKE / RIDER BOYCOTT Monday Dec 19th 12:01AM to 11:59PM TURN OFF THE APP! pic.twitter.com/VCetjWkLDX
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) December 16, 2022
A video of an Uber driver closing the Brooklyn Bridge with his car in the early hours of the morning began to circulate in the media, as drivers underlined the falling gas prices and accused Uber of violating their rights.
Drivers participating in the strike tweet that they are a part of the action by uploading screenshots showing that their daily Uber earnings are $0 on their social media accounts.
NYC District 13 Senate member Jessica Ramos said on her official Twitter account:
‘’There is no @Uber without the drivers. These drivers are dealing with rising costs, fueling Uber’s profits at the expense of their own health & livelihoods. Now, Uber is suing to stop a raise these drivers won. Stand with the workers, stay off the app until the raise is won.’’
This isn’t the first time Uber drivers strike
On March 25, 2019, Lyft and Uber drivers in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, California, organized a series of general strikes under the direction of the rideshare advocacy group Rideshare Drivers United. Poor pay, long hours, unfavorable working conditions, and lack of benefits were the targets of the strikes. Following Lyft’s initial public offering, the event was organized. On May 8, 2019, a second strike occurred ahead of Uber’s first public offering. Drivers from other locations where Uber operates also participated in the strike in opposition to Uber’s IPO, which was held in 25 significant American cities.
Uber and Lyft are both ride-sharing businesses. Similar to taxicab firms, drivers work for Uber and Lyft as independent contractors and give passengers rides. Users can download a smartphone app to request or drive for both businesses. To ensure that they are fully licensed and have a car that meets the company’s standards, drivers must go through a background check and vehicle inspection at the beginning of their employment. Once drivers have linked their accounts, Uber and Lyft can pay them for their services. The company receives a piece of the rider’s fare for administrative costs, and the driver receives a portion for providing the transportation.
That’s it for now from Uber drivers strike. Uber has not made an official statement about the strike, but Uber drivers describe the strike as a success. We will continue to inform you about the developments on the subject and the news on the Uber wing.
