Uber and Lyft drivers plan strikes in major cities to protest pay

Sunday, May 5, 2019
NEW YORK -- Ride share drivers are planning coordinated protests against Uber, Lyft, and other companies later this week, to draw attention to their push for higher wages.

An organization representing for-hire drivers in New York City says its members will go on a two-hour strike against Uber and Lyft ahead of Uber's planned initial public stock offering.
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The New York City Taxi Workers Alliance says its members voted not to drive for Uber or Lyft between 7 and 9 a.m. Wednesday.

San Francisco-based Uber is aiming to raise $9 billion in its initial public offering Thursday.

Drivers in other U.S. cities are planning a work stoppage Wednesday to demand a minimum wage. San Diego and Los Angeles demonstrators plan to strike for 24 hours compared to other cities where strikes will take place during peak traffic.

App-based drivers in New York City are already legally entitled to a minimum wage of about $17 an hour after expenses. The Taxi Workers Alliance says its demands include greater job security.



In Los Angeles, the union says Uber cut their pay from 80 cents to 60 cents a mile last month.
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A Lyft spokeswoman said Lyft drivers' hourly earnings have increased over the last two years.

An Uber spokesman said, "Whether it's more consistent earnings, stronger insurance protections or fully-funded four-year degrees for drivers or their families, we'll continue working to improve the experience for and with drivers."

(The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.)
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