CHICAGO, IL – Rideshare drivers in Chicago are planning to strike on Wednesday in protest of low wages, safety concerns, and other issues. The strike is part of a nationwide demonstration that will take place outside airports in 10 cities across the United States.
According to the Justice for App Workers coalition, more than 30,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois are part of the coalition. The drivers are demanding better wages, improved safety measures, and more transparency in the company’s policies.
The drivers will rally at the O’Hare International Airport ride-share waiting lot between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday and will also shut off their apps, refusing to accept any rides to and from the airport on that day. This strike is expected to impact thousands of travelers who rely on rideshare services to and from the airport.
Both Uber and Lyft have responded to the planned strike, with Uber stating that it does not expect the strike to have much impact on its operations. The company claims that the majority of drivers are satisfied and that events like these rarely affect trips, prices, or driver availability. Lyft, on the other hand, said it is constantly working to improve the driver experience and has implemented new measures to guarantee driver earnings.
Furthermore, rideshare drivers are also demanding more safety protections as part of the strike. Recent attacks on drivers have raised concerns about their safety, with some incidents resulting in fatalities.
The strike is a coordinated effort by rideshare drivers to bring attention to the challenges they face in their work and to pressure companies to address their concerns. It comes at a time when gig workers are increasingly advocating for better working conditions and protections.
As the strike date approaches, the rideshare industry in Chicago and other cities is bracing for the impact of the demonstration on one of the busiest travel days of the year. The outcome of the strike could have significant implications for the rideshare industry and the broader gig economy as a whole.