Striking a Balance: Thoughts on the Latest Gig Worker Strike

Rideshare workers protesting in Atlanta last thursday

Meanwhile

Trump Labor Department Pauses Gig Worker Rule

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/trump-labor-department-pauses-gig-worker-rule-plans-repeal

Last Thursday, Uber and Lyft drivers organized under the Justice for App Workers coalition, went on strike. Their demands? Better pay, access to health insurance, unemployment benefits, safety protections, and—yes—basic things like bathroom access. All fair asks, right?

Here’s the twist: the Trump administration rolled back a 2024 rule that would’ve made it easier to treat gig workers like employees. That rule might’ve made those demands a reality.

I’m on the fence.

I absolutely support transparency in fare breakdowns. Riders are paying one thing—often a lot—but by the time the fees trickle down to us, there’s barely a drip left. I also believe we deserve due process. Right now, we’re subject to ratings that can tank our ability to work, and we have no real defense—especially when those ratings are sometimes soaked in bias.

But here’s where it gets complicated: I chose this life. I chose independence. If I wanted a traditional job with a boss and set hours, I’d go get one. The freedom to work when and how I want isn’t something I’m ready to give up lightly. And if unionization happens, what does that pay scale look like? Does it bring stability—or more red tape? I’m not sure what unionizing would actually look like in practice, and I’ve yet to see a clear pay structure that makes me confident it would be better.

It’s a complex conversation—and one worth having.

My two cents?

If they brought back the kinds of incentives they had when I started—like a $350 bonus for 60 rides instead of today’s laughable “90 rides in 4 days for $100”—I’d be happy. I get that inflation’s kicking all of us, but for our pay to stay flat while everything else rises? That sucks. I got used to that kind of living. Don’t take it away now.

I’m not holding my breath for sweeping change, but hey—if they could just fix the bathroom situation, that’d be a good start.

Signed,
Mgmt.