February 14, 2024
Thom Carroll/For PhillyVoice
Drivers for Uber and Lyft won't take riders to the Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday, as part of a strike for better pay and health care. The protest affects 10 airports across the United States.
Drivers from Uber and Lyft will not be making runs to Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday as part of a wider protest for better pay.
Drivers in the Justice for App Workers Coalition are going on strike Wednesday, refusing to drive people to or from airports in 10 cities, including Philadelphia. The drivers say they are standing up to app companies and seeking a voice in their jobs. They have accused Uber and Lyft of putting profits before drivers.
"Uber, Lyft, and delivery drivers are TIRED of being mistreated by the app companies," drivers wrote in a blog post announcing the strike. "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."
Drivers are also refusing rides to and from Newark International Airport in New Jersey, Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania and major airports in Austin, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Hartford, Connecticut; Miami, Florida; Orlando, Florida; Providence, Rhode Island; and Tampa, Florida. They plan to protest at the 10 airports from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
In response to the protest, Uber said driver earnings are strong, with many making $33 per "utilized hour" in the final quarter of 2023. Lyft said drivers make approximately $30.68 per hour of "engaged time." Last week, Lyft also pledged that drivers would take home 70% or more of rider payments.
Justice for App Workers, which represents 130,000 rideshare drivers and delivery workers says that workers are suffering while companies profit. Its drivers are demanding living wages, a safe working environment, quality health care, bathroom access, the right to form a union and an end to unfairly deactivating accounts.
