On July 17, hundreds of New York Uber and Lyft drivers took to the streets to protest the actions of the two ride-hailing companies blocking access to their apps, effectively preventing drivers from working. They threatened to continue their resistance by going on strike if the companies do not cease their LockOut behavior.
Mr. Jin, a Chinese Uber driver, explained that LockOut means drivers are unable to access the app, resulting in them being forced to stop working and not receiving any orders. He mentioned that he hasn’t been able to log in to the app for a month, leading to a significant decline in his income as he still has to cover car rental costs.
Another Chinese Uber driver, Mr. Lin, expressed concerns about the impact of the situation on his livelihood. With car insurance fees of over four thousand dollars a year and monthly loan payments, he highlighted the need for a minimum income of over two hundred dollars a day to sustain his operations. He stressed the uncertainty of not being able to work when the app locks him out.
Uber previously stated to the media that they lock out drivers from the application during low traffic periods in New York City to combat the minimum wage regulations imposed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). According to the regulations, companies like Uber and Lyft are required to pay drivers for idle time between rides.
An experienced ride-hailing driver named Saif Aizah demonstrated the LockOut to reporters, showing how he was unable to access the Lyft app despite trying in what he believed to be busy areas. This deliberate restriction by the ride-hailing companies aims to reduce drivers’ waiting time during each trip, ultimately lowering their earnings.
A driver with seven years of Uber experience passionately shouted, “This is America, everyone has rights, they cannot do this!” emphasizing that the companies’ control over their work jeopardizes their livelihood and basic needs such as car insurance, taxes, and baby formula.
The vast majority of Uber drivers are immigrants with various English accents. The chairwoman of the New York Taxi Worker Alliance, Bhairavi Desai, highlighted that ride-hailing drivers work an average of 60 to 70 hours per week, facing higher risks of being assaulted or robbed compared to other occupations.
Desai emphasized the importance of drivers paying fees and bearing risks while protesting against the companies for depriving them of a dignified life. The union indicated that drivers have mechanisms to address the issues, but if Uber and Lyft continue the LockOut practice without heeding their concerns, the drivers are prepared to strike.
The TLC informed the media that they are considering implementing stricter wage regulations to address the decline in drivers’ earnings caused by ride-hailing companies locking them out of the apps. The ongoing conflict reflects the challenges faced by drivers in the gig economy, highlighting the need for fair working conditions and compensation.