It’s Fourth of July season, but instead of celebrating and having fun, some rideshare drivers in Milwaukee are protesting over small pay. Here’s the scoop from Ridesharing Forum.
‘We are slaves’
Ridesharing drivers in Milwaukee are on strike. Yes, they are. The reason is pretty understandable: the small wage, which they say is not fair when spending on the maintenance and upkeep of their vehicles. Recently, they stopped working to devote themselves to the strike.
Samer Bishawi, a longtime driver for Lyft and Uber, told ridesharing media, "I’m a slave. I’m a slave to Uber. And all of us, we are slaves to Uber, and I don’t think this is right.”
They also argue that their compensation is little when things about vehicle maintenance and communication are considered.
Another Uber driver, Rocky Holmgren, aired their grievance, too, saying, "All of these drivers, as well as myself, basically feel that overall human rights, with regard to how you’re treated as an Uber driver, how you’re receiving compensation and how you’re able to communicate with Uber itself, whether it’s complaints or having suggestions or morning forward with other ideas, it doesn’t happen.”
Milwaukee airport
The protests were held at one of Milwaukee’s star airports because this is where the pain point is.
The protesters stated that a ride from the airport to downtown Milwaukee costs $15, which the passenger pays, but the driver only gets about $5.
Yessef Izhimman, a driver for both Lyft and Uber, shared, "When we pick up people, our cars goes through the construction zones. We get potholes. If a chip gets in a window from God for, say, we driving on the highway, a truck hits, a stone, throws at us. We’re responsible for our windshield. They’re not going to pay anything. So why is there making more money than us? We need more money.”
What Lyft says, no response from Uber
The TV version of the news can be viewed here.
Ridesharing Forum has contacted both Lyft and Uber, but only Lyft responded. Lyft officials say it is now working to ensure drivers earn at least 70 percent of the weekly rider fares after external fees.
However, Uber has not responded. Sadly.
Milwaukee authorities announced they are meeting with the ridesharing drivers in protest to discuss paths moving forward, resolutions, and alternatives.
The drivers, however, stated they will keep protesting if their demands are not met.
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