In May 2019, Uber drivers went on strike in the UK, US and other countries, including Brazil and Australia, to demand better pay and working conditions ahead of the ride-hailing app’s flotation on the stock market.

The protests took place in London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Glasgow as well as 10 US cities, including Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC, and in other countries. In the US, strikers were also joined by drivers from other ride-hailing apps including Lyft, Juno and Via. 

In the UK, protests were organised by the Independent Workers of Great Britain union. Its calls include an increase in fares per mile; a cut in the commission paid by drivers to Uber; employment status for drivers which means they get paid the minimum wage and receive holiday and sick pay; and an end to unfair dismissals. In New York, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance calls included job security, livable incomes and cuts to the companies' commission on fares.

The articles below contain comments by Uber and Lyft, who have both said they will continue to work to improve the experience of drivers. 

Business & Human Rights Centre invited Uber, Lyft, Juno and Via to respond to the striking drivers concerns over poor wages and working conditions. None of the companies responded.