Rideshare drivers protest at Atlanta airport, demand better pay during holiday travel
Rideshare drivers for Uber and Lyft caused disruptions at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Saturday as they protested for better pay during one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year.
The drivers shut off their apps at 4 p.m. and remained parked for several hours, aiming to disrupt holiday travel and send a message to the rideshare companies about their wage demands, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
“We are protesting so that passengers continue to be stranded, and maybe that will make an impact,” one driver told FOX Atlanta.
The protest was intended to highlight drivers’ calls for higher wages, as they claim they are receiving less than 50% of the fare for the ride. Some drivers reported receiving less than 30% of the fare, leading them to demand an increase in pay.
“I did a ride the other day, and she said she paid $102 for a 40-minute ride. I got $25, and that’s because I had a $5 bonus!” Lyft driver Debora Williams told FOX Atlanta, describing the pay discrepancy as “ridiculous.”
An Uber spokesperson defended the company’s policy, saying that some drivers can earn more than $30 per hour. The spokesperson also said that drivers receive fare and destination information upfront before accepting a trip and are fully empowered to decide what trips are worth their time.
Lyft responded by stating that drivers are paid upfront, including tips and bonuses, and that they are exploring ways to improve drivers’ experience on the platform.
Despite the protest, many passengers at the Atlanta airport rideshare zone told Fox 5 Atlanta they had no problem requesting an Uber or Lyft ride.
The drivers who staged the boycott said they will be planning another one in the future to continue their push for better pay.