Here’s what Atlantans think about the Uber, Lyft strike
Rideshare drivers in Georgia have officially begun their 12-hour strike in Atlanta, which made #UberLyftStrike a trending topic on Twitter.
» RELATED: Uber, Lyft driver group plans 12-hour Atlanta strike Wednesday
Although it's unclear how many of Atlanta's Uber and Lyft drivers will participate in the strike, which is part of a broader one by rideshare drivers across the country, it started at noon Wednesday, May 8 and will last until midnight.
As the strike got underway, Atlantans took to social media to share their thoughts. Several said they supported the strikers, who are fighting for better pay among other things.
Y'all please don't use uber/lyft/doordash/postmates today.
— Lea Marzo (@DrLeaMarzo) May 8, 2019
Respect the strike. #UberLyftStrike
Glad I saw this before I logged on today. Nobody should work hard just so they can be poor. Especially when the people who benefit from that work are filthy rich #UberLyftStrike
— Evan Cleaver (@EvanCleaver) May 8, 2019
@MAJuanJaramillo nailed it! #UberLyftStrike https://t.co/XjKjhoMUw4 pic.twitter.com/hsHnnpcpT8
— CC (@habitualhealth) May 8, 2019
#Uber and #Lyft were supposed to be a very reasonable and economic alternative to the established & regulated #taxi industry. But the truth about these services is finally being seen - another way to cheat working people! I support #UberLyftStrike #StrikeUberLyft
— Fr. Bruce Wilkinson (@PadreInAtlanta) May 8, 2019
A few said they did not understand the strike, because they believe ridesharing is not a real job.
Uber and Lyft drivers going on strike is funny to me... you not even a real employee and you work when you feel like it... how you gonna complain about it
— Your Fav (@Y_F_T_92) May 8, 2019
I understand, but Lyft and Uber drivers already knew they would not be compensated for those things. It’s not like it just popped out of nowhere. Employees are treated as sub contractors therefore everything’s on them.
— Chuck (@pickle_rick33) May 8, 2019
"unfair conditions"......for a completely voluntary activity?
— Panthersville United (@Panthersville) May 8, 2019
The whole thing about the Lyft/Uber strike is that it isn't a real job.
— TheFakeJoeKelley (@JoeKelleyComedy) May 8, 2019
Some said Lyft, Uber and taxi drivers who aren’t on strike may be able earn more money since there will be less drivers on the road.
Taxi drivers all day #UberLyftStrike pic.twitter.com/rZ5uqRSy96
— O-fin-did (@jes_roby) May 8, 2019
And I swear, for every two people that boycott Uber and Lyft, one driver is getting all the surge.
— The Delegation Delegate (@koolkarl678) May 8, 2019
And many talked about finding rides. While some said they were able to catch a ride with ease, others said they were having trouble.
Hard finding rides today ... #uber #lyft strike this evening. #rideshare https://t.co/vpzp3S9Mma
— Follow Atlanta’s Original Digital DryerBuzz.com (@DryerBuzz) May 8, 2019
How am I ever going to find a ride? #UberLyftStrike pic.twitter.com/J1PvvBp0kO
— Will (@WillScroggs) May 8, 2019
David, In a @lyft - no issue getting one, rate was normal, but this driver is completely incompetent. Can’t seem to follow a GPS. Trip time is now >20 mins longer than originally planned.
— Eric (@GoldboxATL) May 8, 2019
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
