UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS ON STRIKE TODAY
By Miriam Raftery
Photo: CC by SA
May 8, 2019 (San Diego) – If you need a ride today, you may need to call a taxi or catch a trolley. Uber and Lyft drivers across San Diego County are taking part in a nationwide strike for higher wages and more transparency from the ride-sharing companies.
Some 5,000 southern California drivers plan to turn off their apps today, according to Rideshare Drivers United. Picketing and a rally are also planned at Lindbergh Field’s Terminal 1 today.
The drivers are protesting Uber’s announced pan to slash per-mile compensation from 80 cents to 60 cents. They also want both companies to guarantee a $28 minimum wage to drivers, who use and maintain their own vehicles, paying for gas themselves.
Drivers keep about $17 an hour of that $28, representatives of the drivers have indicated.
Lyft issued a statement claiming its drivers average over $20 an hour and that 75% drive less than 10 hours a week, working around other jobs.
A statement from Uber indicates it will continue working to improve the experience for drivers, with options such as stronger insurance protections, college funding and/or more consistent earnings.
Both companies are going public. Lyft made its initial public offering last week and Uber plans an IPO tomorrow.