I don’t think this will amount to too much trouble for a majority of travelers, but nevertheless want to make sure you have a heads-up.
Some Uber and Lyft drivers in at least ten cities say they won’t work during the 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM local time period on Wednesday, February 14.
Why?
“Uber, Lyft, and delivery drivers are TIRED of being mistreated by the app companies,” says a release on the Justice for App Workers website. “We’re sick of working 80 hours/week just to make ends meet, being constantly scared for our safety, and worrying about being deactivated with the click of a button… We’ll be protesting and not giving ANY RIDES from the airport.”
You know I’m “TIRED of”? Drivers refusing to bring riders home because it’s not convenient for their schedules.
The list of affected cities includes:
- Austin
- Chicago
- Hartford
- Miami
- Newark
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Providence
- Tampa
“We’re going on strike and telling the app companies that WE WON’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!” the statement continues.
To Their Credit?
As always, there are (at least) two sides to every story.
Credit where it’s due. The Uber, Lyft, et al. strikers gave people notice. They put up something on a website, it was reported by media, etc.
Secondly, they’re not actively blocking roadways — a tactic I’ve never thought particularly positively effective toward building sympathy toward a cause.
Going on strike for two hours during a Wednesday — one of the slower air travels days of the week — seems largely symbolic. It won’t drastically hurt drivers’ wallets. Especially in some of those cities because weather is awful and flights are either cancelled or travelers changed their plans.
At least they’re making themselves available for people wishing to use their services to go out for dinner or cocktails on Valentine’s Day. Food delivery drivers can still earn some money for people ordering in for Valentine’s Day dinners.
That said:
“I love this (expletive) strike,” a full-time ride-share driver responded when I texted them asking for his take. “These drivers hate a nickel because it isn’t a dime.” (And how great is that line?) “I’m happy to take the business they’re willfully turning down because they can take a longer lunch break for a day and look like they’re standing up to ‘the man.’ Will the companies bend to this? Hell, no.”
Final Approach
Some ride share and delivery drivers in several markets will strike on Valentine’s Day. That said, we think it’s largely symbolic, given the 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM local time period.
Be prepared to order a taxi or take public transit. Or maybe wait a little longer for drivers willing to cross the symbolic picket line.
What’s your take on this?
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