AP Photo/Mark Lennihan
Uber drivers protest next to the Charging Bull statue in New York's financial district, Wednesday, May 8, 2019. The protests arrive just ahead of Uber's initial public stock offering, which is planned for Friday.
- Uber and Lyft drivers around the world are participating in coordinated protests and strikes on Wednesday.
- Many drivers have complained of falling pay and a lack of transparency from the companies.
- Business Insider spoke to dozens of drivers to find out their biggest frustrations with the platforms and why they are striking.
Drivers for Uber and Lyft are planning work stoppages and demonstrations around the world on Wednesday to demand higher wages from the ride-hailing companies ahead of Uber's massive initial public offering.
Protests are scheduled for at least 14 cities worldwide, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Glasgow, and more. Organizing groups are also encouraging consumers to join in their movement by not requesting rides.
Business Insider has spoken to dozens of Uber and Lyft drivers in previous months to learn more about their experience on the platforms. More often than not, their complaints revolve around a lack of transparency from the companies, and in many cases, consistently declining pay.
In new research published Tuesday, The Economic Policy Institute found that Uber drivers on average take home the equivalent of about $9.21 in wages, after Uber fees, vehicle expenses, and other related costs.
Here are why some drivers said they are protesting Wednesday, in their own words:
