Rides through Uber and Lyft that are already hard to secure these days — and sometimes eye-poppingly expensive — because many drivers stopped wor

Uber and Lyft drivers are on strike today. What riders need to know

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2021-07-21 18:00:10

Rides through Uber and Lyft that are already hard to secure these days — and sometimes eye-poppingly expensive — because many drivers stopped working in the pandemic may become even more difficult to reserve Wednesday, when some drivers will be on strike.

An organization that represents rideshare drivers has called for the strike and has also planned a rally and demonstration Wednesday afternoon at the LAXit pickup area at the airport. If you’re heading to or from LAX — or were planning to hail a ride somewhere in or around L.A. today — here’s what you need to know.

Rideshare Drivers United, an L.A.-based labor rights group made up of drivers for app-based services such as Lyft and Uber, says drivers will strike and stage rallies in 11 cities around the U.S. on July 21. Organizers say drivers are striking for better pay and legal protections under the PRO Act.

Brian Dolber, an organizer with Rideshare Drivers United, said that what people have described as driver shortages are actually a “silent strike” from gig workers who feel driving for the apps has become less safe and lucrative. He said Wednesday’s actions are “making that silent strike heard.”