Uber, Lyft Drivers in Metro Atlanta Strike on May Day Over Pay
ATLANTA – Ride-sharing app drivers including Uber and Lyft in the metro Atlanta area have joined in a nationwide strike on the first of May, also known as May Day. The strike, organized by the group “Justice for App Workers”, is a push by the drivers to demand higher wages and job protection.
The group has asked Georgians not to use the services in solidarity with the striking workers. In addition to Uber and Lyft, the strike also includes drivers from other app-driven services such as DoorDash, Grubhub, Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, Postmates, and Instacart.
Cost of Living Versus Driver Earnings
“As the cost of living escalates across the country, drivers are seeing decreasing earnings from each ride”, said the group in a statement. They argue that a significant number of drivers struggle to make a living, living from one ride to another, while the executives rake in the majority of the profits.
Fair Deactivation and Job Protection
The group alleges that the companies’ algorithms unfairly deactivate driver accounts, stripping them of job security. Moreover, this deactivation affects drivers of color disproportionately, further reinforcing the call for fair deactivation and job protection.
Protest Rally at Liberty Plaza
Local drivers have planned a protest rally at Liberty Plaza at 11 a.m. on May 1st. Protests are also scheduled to take place in other U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Charlotte.
Counter Response by Uber
In response to the strike, a spokesperson of Uber stated they are committed to the welfare and safety of their drivers. The spokesperson cited data from the fourth quarter of 2023, showing that drivers in the US were earning a median value of $33 per hour during a trip. They also emphasized recent policy changes aimed at improving drivers’ protection and the deactivation process.
Underlying Issues
The strike, although regional, highlights the growing unrest and dissatisfaction among app-based workers, specifically regarding wages and job security. Despite the strike’s immediate impact being on the ridesharing and delivery services, its long-term implications could affect the entire gig economy.
