Amidst the ongoing strike of Uber drivers in San Francisco, some of them have decided to quit their jobs and demand better wages and working conditions. This strike is a result of Uber's treatment of its drivers, who have been criticized for exploiting their workers while taking advantage of ride-hailing services like Uber.
Some drivers say that they are paid $15 per hour, despite working 40 hours or more a week on top of other jobs like construction and cleaning. They also cited long hours, irregular scheduling, and low wages as reasons why they decided to quit their jobs. A driver named Amanda said, "I've worked for Uber for almost two years now, but the pay has always been less than the $15 per hour minimum wage in this city."
Other drivers have also joined the strike with a goal of getting their company to recognize them as employees and provide them with better wages. For instance, driver Alex said, "I've worked for Uber for almost four years, but I haven't seen any wage increases or benefits like healthcare or pension plans."
The strike has sparked a conversation about the treatment of ride-hailing drivers in San Francisco and across the country. Drivers who have been with the company for more than two years say that their work is considered to be part-time, which means they only get paid when they work for Uber. Many of them also reported being underpaid, even though their vehicles are equipped with a GPS system, allowing drivers to be paid based on the location of the rides.
The strike's impact is not just limited to San Francisco. Several cities have seen similar actions by drivers who have joined the protest in support of their rights and demands for better working conditions. It shows that ride-hailing drivers are not only struggling with low wages, but also facing challenges with access to benefits like healthcare and retirement plans.
Uber has stated that it is committed to improving the lives of its employees, and they have promised to work towards a negotiated deal for better wages and working conditions. However, drivers have not been satisfied with this promise and are pushing for more. It's time for Uber and other ride-hailing companies to recognize their workers as full-time employees and provide them with benefits that align with the work they do. Only then will the industry start treating its employees fairly and build a sustainable future in San Francisco and beyond.