Aerial view of Hartsfield-Jackson© Aerial view of Hartsfield-Jackson
Originally published for Travel Pulse Story by Rich Thomaselli
Drivers for rideshare companies Uber and Lyft wanted to send a message to their bosses.
They did it quietly but with a big impact.
The drivers shut off their engines at the world’s busiest airport just two days before Christmas.
Drivers protested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Saturday by turning off their respective apps for several hours, frustrating passengers looking for a ride and sending a message to their bosses that their wages are too low.
An interesting twist to Lyft’s holiday promise this year of on-time airport pickups.
“As long as we protest, passengers will continue to be stranded, and maybe that will make an impact,” one driver told FOX Atlanta.
Some drivers say they end up receiving less than half of the full amount of the ride, and some drivers claim they only receive less than 30 percent.
An Uber spokesperson said some drivers can earn more than $30 per hour.
“Earnings in Atlanta are more than $30 an hour when drivers are actively working on the platform,” the spokesperson said. “Drivers also receive fare and destination information upfront before they accept a trip and are fully empowered to decide what trips are worth their time.”
Lyft said drivers are paid upfront pay and via tips and bonuses.
“Lyft takes the concerns of drivers very seriously and are regularly exploring ways to improve their experience on the platform,” the company said through a spokesperson. “Last year, we introduced Upfront Pay in Georgia and across the country, which shows drivers ride information and what they’ll earn before accepting a ride. We also provide drivers a weekly pay summary that shows a breakdown of their earnings and the total amount riders paid.”
Drivers said they do plan to protest again.
This is an interesting twist to Lyft’s holiday promise this year of on-time airport pickups.
Meanwhile, Uber recently signed an agreement with taxi drivers in the tourist mecca of Cancun.