Uber and Lyft drivers are striking in over a dozen cities around the world on Wednesday. Here's the full list of where demonstrations are planned. (UBER, LYFT)

[ad_1]

• Drivers for Uber, Lyft, and other apps are planning a strike and protests around the world on Wednesday.
• Many drivers say their pay has consistently fallen in recent years, and are unhappy with their status as independent contractors.
• Actions are scheduled for New York, Los Angeles, Georgia, London, Scotland, and more. Here’s the full list of locations.

Uber and Lyft drivers around the world are planning an international day of action on Wednesday to fight for better pay and treatment by the ride-hailing companies.

It’s far from the first time drivers for the companies have tried to organize demonstrations, but this time — the week of Lyft’s first earnings report as a public company and Uber’s initial public offering — has become particularly salient, as many company employees are set to become very rich thanks to the IPOs.

At the crux of their argument is a measure known as “take rate.” This fraction, which currently average about 20% for Uber and 25% for Lyft, is the percentage of each fare the companies keep, with the rest goign to the driver. Skimming more money from fares can appease Wall Street investors, but make drivers more angry. You can read more about take rates here. 

Not a driver but want to support them? Groups are also encouraging riders to avoid requesting rides on Wednesday in solidarity.

In New York, the country’s most lucrative market for rides, drivers will log off during the morning rush hour from 7 am to 9 am, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance said in a press release. In Los Angeles, drivers organized by Rideshare Drivers United will log off from the app for 24 hours.

Other protests are scheduled in Boston, Philadelphia, Connecticut, Washington D.C. and abroad. Did we miss a city? get in touch with this reporter at grapier@businessinsider.com.

Here’s the full list with details for each city:

SEE ALSO: Uber and Lyft drivers are planning to strike this week, and it highlights the challenge the 2 ride-hailing giants face as public companies

New York

Drivers in New York City will log out of their apps during the morning rush hour from 7 am to 9 am, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance said in a press release. Drivers will also hold a rally at Uber and Lyft’s office in Long Island City, Queens at 1pm.

They’re demanding job security, livable incomes, and regulations that guarantee 80% to 85% of a fare to each driver.

“Wall Street investors are telling Uber and Lyft to cut down on driver income, stop incentives, and go faster to Driverless Cars,” Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the NYTWA, said. “Uber and Lyft wrote in their S1 filings that they think they pay drivers too much already. With the IPO, Uber’s corporate owners are set to make billions, all while drivers are left in poverty and go bankrupt. That’s why NYTWA members are joining the international strike to stand up to Uber greed.” 

Los Angeles

Ride-hailing drivers in the US’ second largest city will turn off their apps for 24 hours, Rideshare Drivers United said in a press release. Members will also picket at Los Angeles International Airport, the group said.

“RDU-LA demands major reforms to the industry to make it fair, dignified, and sustainable,” it said in a press release. “Their Drivers Bill of Rights includes a ten percent commission cap, transparency around de-activations, the right for drivers to organize and negotiate with the companies, and community standards around traffic and emissions to ensure that the rideshare industry benefits the cities where it operates.”

Philadelphia

Drivers in Philadelphia will picket Uber’s Greenlight Hub in the city from 12 pm to 1 pm, the Philadelphia Drivers Union and Philadelphia Limousine Association said. The groups are encouraging other drivers to also not accept rides during that hour.

They’re demanding an 80/20 fare split of gross passenger receipts and a minimum living wage of $20 per hour after expenses.

“Passengers deserve to know which portion of their fare goes to their driver and how the algorithms calculate their fare,” the groups said.

“What passengers pay has increased over time while the portion they pay to drivers has decreased. Despite Uber’s promise that the extra revenue would be directed to drivers, subsequent rate and promotion cuts suggest otherwise. In addition, too many TNC vehicles have impacted traffic congestion. It’s been demonstrated that setting a minimum living wage for drivers will force Uber and Lyft to self-police the number of drivers they will send into traffic. #sharethefare”

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

[ad_2]