Uber Drivers Are Organizing Protests at Billionaire Investors’ Homes
On November 6, early Uber investors, founders, and employees will be able to cash out of the ride-hailing company for the first time since it went public in May. It could be a bloodbath, or a big payday for those with a large stake in the company.
Investors aren’t the only ones anticipating the occasion, however. Uber drivers—building on momentum from recent organizing victories in California—will use the opportunity to literally get in the faces of the company’s top investors. Rideshare drivers plan to demonstrate outside at least three investors’ homes and offices, including Uber venture capitalist Bill Gurley in Silicon Valley and Uber co-founder Garrett Camp in Los Angeles.
“These guys are making billions of dollars while they’re claiming they can’t afford to pay us a fair wage,” said Jeff Perry, 39, an Uber driver from Sacramento, and one of the protest’s lead organizers. “This is a great opportunity to highlight the differences between the two classes within Uber.”
My Take: I doubt that this protest will be a success, but it’s a nice idea that will gain some publicity.
Uber, Lyft to skip congressional hearings on their safety, labor practices [Philadelphia Enquirer]
WASHINGTON — Uber and Lyft have decided to skip a congressional hearing Wednesday aimed at examining their safety and labor practices, risking aggravating members of the committee who are threatening to press ahead regardless with new legislation.
The two companies have come under increased scrutiny in recent months over their treatment of drivers and their efforts to keep passengers safe, prompting a House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee to call a committee meeting and demand that the companies testify on the future of ride-hailing.
Both Uber and Lyft decided not to send representatives, however, according to company and Transportation Committee officials. That prompted Transportation Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., to say that the panel will press ahead with legislation that could encompass safety and labor for transportation network companies, or ride-hailing companies, with or without their cooperation, according to prepared remarks he planned to deliver Wednesday that were reviewed by The Washington Post ahead of the hearing.
My Take: I’m not sure I understand this. What do you have to lose by sending someone – well, not anyone, but someone who can represent this company well? Sure, that person needs to have to have thick skin, but surely Uber can find that kind of person?
