Some drivers working for Uber and Lyft in Washington, D.C. and many U.S. cities logged out of their apps on Wednesday in protest of low wages and working conditions at the ride-sharing companies.
The strike did not seem to have a major impact on D.C. traffic at the time of publishing of this story.
According to WTOP, there was no shortage of ride-hail drivers this morning, as only a small number of drivers were joining the action.
Some D.C.-based Twitter users called for solidarity with Uber and Lyft drivers. However, some others expressed overall dissatisfaction with the services, complaining that they “killed” cabs.
Friendly reminder to everyone in DC to act in solidarity with rideshare workers who are striking today for better wages & job security ✊
If you gotta be somewhere today, walk, bike, take public transit, or scooter—but no rideshare apps! #UberLyftStrike https://t.co/EGJ228Zsqk
— Matt Korda (@mattkorda) May 8, 2019
See #Uber Look What You Started…
You Already Killed Cabs! Now You Want More Money And Paid Time Off? Can I Just Get A Ride Without The Car Being In Bad Condition, Maybe A Ride Without A Child Or Drunk People* #Lyft #Via #RideSharing #Strike #DC— FamevsFortune (@fameVSfortune20) May 8, 2019
Other Twitter users argued that regular cabs in D.C. worked in harder conditions due to competition and license requirement, therefore, they should strike.
It's just Uber and Lyft.
Not even every city
In DC it's the regular cabs that should strike!— Glen Kiltz (@gkiltzVA) May 8, 2019
WTOP reported that two drivers it interviewed stated that they weren’t even aware of the strike. But one of them understood and agreed with the motives behind it.
Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego are some of the other cities where protests are taking place.
As around 10,000 New York drivers joined the strike, some people staged demonstrations outside the offices of Uber and Lyft, as well as the New York Stock Exchange.
The move comes on the eve of Uber’s initial public stock offering (IPO) scheduled for Friday on the New York Stock Exchange, which is expected to raise $9 billion. Lyft also went public in late March.
Among the signs the protesters were holding or displaying on their vehicles were ones reading “Hard work = Fair pay” and “Invest in our lives — Not their stocks.”
While some drivers are planning to shut off their apps for 12 hours to 24 hours, others plan to strike for a few hours. San Diego and Los Angeles drivers are among those going for 24 hours. Atlanta is aiming for 12 hours and New York City is holding a two-hour action.
In addition to the U.S., drivers in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and South America took part in the action.