Ride-Hail and Food Delivery Workers Strike for Fair Pay and Conditions, US

Thousands of Uber, Lyft, and Deliveroo workers in the United States and the United Kingdom are planning a strike on Valentine’s Day to protest against pay and working conditions. The campaign group Justice for App Workers, which represents around 130,000 drivers and delivery workers, announced that its members will boycott rides to and from airports in ten cities, including Chicago and Miami, without disclosing the specifics of the strike action by DoorDash workers. Meanwhile, in the UK, more than 3,000 food delivery riders across multiple platforms, including Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat, will participate in a five-hour strike on Wednesday. These workers have seen a decline in their income as delivery fees have been reduced by the companies they work for. The strike organizers are demanding fair compensation and an end to exploitation. This protest highlights the ongoing struggle for better pay and working conditions among gig economy workers who often lack the protections afforded to traditional employees. While Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and the other platforms have stated that they are committed to improving the driver experience, the strike underscores the persistent grievances of these workers. The outcome of the strike remains uncertain, but it serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for fair treatment in the gig economy is far from over.