Rideshare drivers gather in Milwaukee in response to being defined as independent contractors
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A group of Uber and Lyft drivers gathered in Milwaukee on Thursday, June 26 to raise concerns about workplace conditions following recent state legislative action that defines the employee status of Uber drivers.
Several dozen drivers came together at Mitchell International Airports rideshare lot, calling for a "fair deal' from the companies.
"They're ripping us off, and now we just say, enough," said Mahmaud Kadadha, who has been driving rideshare in Milwaukee for several years.
Kadadha said Uber used to pay well, but he claims that has changed.
"In the beginning, we sign up with them as they take 25 percent, and we take 75 percent. Now, they almost, the past two months, take between 65 to 70 percent," he explained.
Kadadha joined other drivers refusing rides Thursday, hoping their protest will encourage Uber and Lyft to raise driver profit percentages.
"We're private contractors, and they're taking a big share of our money, and we're the ones that are driving the customer and giving them the customer base," said driver, Yussef Izhiman. "They really need to take care of us, because without us, they don't have a company."
It's a boycott during one of their busiest seasons in Milwaukee, as Summerfest continues this weekend.
"We actually are lifesavers for the city. We take all these drunk people, we stay till two, three o'clock at night, and no appreciation," Kadadha said.
In a statement to CBS 58, Uber took pride in their driver pay:
“Driver earnings remain strong—over $30 per active hour nationwide—and we are continuously listening to driver feedback through Uber Crew and other channels to improve the driver experience, including pricing. That is how we know that the vast majority of drivers value independence and flexibility, choosing this work for the control it offers rather than the traditional work model.”
Uber said they are also rolling out a feature where drivers can see fares before accepting a ride.
Meanwhile, a statement from Lyft says they're also releasing new features to increase driver pay:
"Drivers are essential to our purpose. That's why we've released a series of new features aimed at increasing driver pay, transparency and safety. This includes an earnings commitment that ensures drivers always make at least 70% of the weekly rider fares after external fees, an improved deactivation appeals process to make things more transparent and a recently launched rider verification program to improve safety. It's all part of our larger mission to serve and connect our driver community."
The Milwaukee Area Labor Council said they are monitoring the situation, and that they support the drivers’ efforts and plans to meet with participants to discuss potential assistance. They criticized the recent change approved by the Wisconsin state legislature that designates Uber drivers as independent contractors.
Their release cited U.S. Department of Labor guidance suggesting many such workers may qualify as employees, not contractors, based on their ongoing exclusive working relationships.
As of Thursday afternoon, the boycott did not appear to have a significant impact on rideshare availability and costs to and from Summerfest at Henry Maier Festival Park.