The Uber drivers are going on strike in Los Angeles on 25th March in protest against the soon-to-be-public “sharing economy” giant that is presently valued at $120 billion. Demanding a restoration of fees paid by Uber and a $28 minimum wage, an organization of Uber drivers in Los Angeles has announced a 25 Hours strike on Monday i.e 25th March. The one day strike is being coordinated by Rideshare Drivers United, the independent association that seeks fair pay, transparency and voice for the drivers who work for Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services.
It is not the first time drivers have tried to organize a strike, the participants hope that the action will send a message to companies for better wages. A rally will be held at afternoon, where the drivers will speak about the impact of poverty wages in the rideshare industry.
The drivers are trying to recruit their colleagues to protest pay cuts by Uber last week that slashed per-mile pay from 80 cents to 60 cents in LA County and parts of Orange County. They are planning to strike on Monday refusing to drive for both Uber and Lyft in a move they hope will mark an early step in a broader push for higher wages.
The 25% reduction has roiled drivers in the area who were already struggling to make a living wage.
Sinakhone Keodara drives for Lyft using a vehicle he rented from the company. He became homeless in the month of September after pouring money into building his own app and took up driving for Lyft to get himself on his feet. He said, “I am struggling but I feel like it’s time for us to humanize our struggle. Let’s the people know what is really going on with us as we are driving for Lyft and Uber trying to survive.”