Uber drivers plan strike to protest fare cuts in New York City

HUNDREDS of fired up Uber drivers have gathered in protest against recent fare cuts, which they say is taking money from their pockets.

Uber drivers protest the company's recent fare cuts and go on strike in front of the car service's New York offices on February 1, 2016 in New York City. Picture: Spencer Platt

HUNDREDS of New York City-based Uber drivers are turning off their devices in protest against the company’s recent decision to slash fares across the city.

The protesters rallied at midday outside Uber’s headquarters in Queens, encouraging fellow drivers to strike with them. “Stop being a slave, boycott new UBER price cut,” organisers wrote on the rally’s official Facebook event page.

The protest is a response to Uber’s 15 per cent price drop, announced Friday, which came as music to the ears of passengers across NYC who rely on the ride-sharing service UberX. Yet, drivers argue the citywide fare reduction is taking money out of their pockets.

“Right now we’re not even getting minimum wage,” a driver, who wanted to remain anonymous, told PIX11.

“We are going to be close to bankruptcy if Uber doesn’t raise the commission,” another driver said.

At a protest by Uber divers against rate decreases in Long Island City. pic.twitter.com/jEPpDFKYYE

— Max RN (@MaxRivlinNadler) February 1, 2016

But Uber said on Monday the new pricing scale benefited drivers, who saw their earnings go up in the first days after the price cut.

“So far the price cut results we’ve seen for drivers have been promising: over this past weekend drivers spent 39 per cent less time without a fare and as a result saw a 20 per cent increase in hourly earnings compared to two weekends before,” company spokesman Matthew Wing told news.com.au.

“This matches what happened the last time we reduced prices in New York; idle time decreased and net driver earnings increased. We expect this positive trend to continue, but if for any reason the price cuts are not giving drivers more business and better earnings, we will consider changing them as we have in other cities.”

Mr Wing added that Uber is offering to meet individually with every driver who wants to discuss their concerns and review their earnings. “Price changes need to work for drivers,” he said.

NYC @Uber drivers are striking tomorrow. My driver gave me this flyer. They have problem with company, not riders pic.twitter.com/zPAY3tk428

— Micah Lee (@micahflee) February 1, 2016

Monday’s demands, which the drivers would like to see instated within 30 days, include increased fares by 15 per cent, the addition of tip options from 5-20 per cent, and a reduction of Uber’s commission on all trips to 10 per cent, Gothamist reports.

Drivers currently give 20-25 per cent of each fare back to Uber, depending on when they signed up with the service.

Drivers say Uber continues to cut into their earnings without cutting into its own take from each ride. Picture: Spencer Platt

Hundreds of drivers gathered at Uber’s New York City headquarters on Monday. Picture: Spencer Platt

Originally published as Uber drivers plan strike to protest fare cuts in New York City