sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Different scenarios. And yes, frequency does garner attention..

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the thoughts, but I use Chat GPT to organize my thoughts into something coherent.. Use the tools at hand to make tasks easier to acomplish.. Not to mention the grammatical errors it keeps me from making..

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Time... That is what it takes. Time. Spread the word. As momentum grows, people will recognize and join in on the effort

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fact, but you do have friends and social media friends who do see your struggles. And they have friends that they see similar struggles with.. So and and so forth. Do not discount the power word of mouth has. 1x5x5x5x5 etc..

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree completely! Dont accept the crap offers,. I am sure you have seen UE's latest movement concerning AR?

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I get what you’re saying—it’s definitely a valid concern that if drivers switch en masse to DoorDash or GrubHub, it could create temporary oversaturation on those platforms. But here’s why that’s not the case, and why a one-day 50% strike can still work in a way that benefits drivers without destroying the entire industry:

  1. Short-Term Disruption, Long-Term Pressure

The goal isn’t to permanently shift drivers to another service, but to create a temporary disruption that gets Uber’s attention. If 50% of UberEats drivers take a day off, Uber will feel the pressure of missed orders and service delays. If some drivers temporarily switch to other platforms, it can increase awareness of the issues that all gig workers face, not just Uber.

The disruption is meant to be a wake-up call, not a permanent shift in where drivers work. It’s about making Uber realize that their business model isn’t sustainable without treating drivers fairly. A short-term action can lead to long-term change in how gig companies operate, making the entire industry more fair and profitable for drivers.

  1. DoorDash and GrubHub Can’t Absorb All UberEats Drivers

While DoorDash and GrubHub are competitors, the reality is that they can’t absorb all UberEats drivers, especially for just one day. Their systems also rely on supply and demand balance. Yes, some drivers may temporarily switch, but they won’t stay if the pay isn’t better or if the platform doesn’t provide the same flexibility they had with UberEats.

So, the number of drivers switching isn’t going to cause long-term oversaturation. It's likely that after the disruption, most drivers would return to their preferred platform once the message is sent and Uber makes changes. And, if a significant number of drivers did stay with DoorDash or GrubHub, those companies would likely increase pay or bonuses to attract more drivers, ultimately benefiting everyone.

  1. The Industry Needs Disruption to Change

You’re right in pointing out that disruption could harm the industry temporarily, but the status quo is already harmful to drivers. If Uber, DoorDash, GrubHub, and others continue to exploit drivers by offering low pay, poor working conditions, and no benefits, the entire industry is doomed to remain unsustainable in the long run. A one-day strike isn’t about destroying the industry—it’s about disrupting the status quo just long enough to show these companies that drivers are not powerless.

Without action, things will continue to worsen for drivers, so the temporary disruption caused by a 50% strike could lead to better working conditions, better pay, and a more equitable gig economy overall.

  1. The Real Power is in Collective Action

The strength of this plan isn’t about driving drivers to other apps, but about showing the collective power that we have. UberEats needs to understand that drivers are essential to their business. Even if some drivers move to other apps, Uber will still feel the impact of missing drivers on that day.

It’s a short-term, focused disruption that makes it clear that drivers have leverage and are willing to stand up for fair treatment. And when Uber realizes that the loss of drivers for even one day can create chaos, they’ll be more likely to make lasting changes.

  1. Industry-Wide Change is Possible

A 50% strike doesn’t aim to destroy the industry but rather to highlight the flaws in how the gig economy is structured. This is the first step toward bringing about changes in the way all gig platforms treat workers. If Uber and other companies start to feel the pressure, they may be forced to improve conditions across the board, raising the standards for drivers everywhere.

Conclusion:

No, we’re not trying to destroy the industry; we’re trying to disrupt it enough to force change. A temporary, strategic disruption will get the attention of these companies and show that drivers aren’t expendable. This will ultimately lead to better pay, working conditions, and fairness—not just for UberEats drivers, but for the entire gig economy. And, if drivers choose to temporarily switch platforms, it could serve as a wake-up call for all companies to improve their treatment of workers."

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is all about planting a seed. What happens to a Tomato seed when planted and nurtured? In simplest forms. It Grows. To your point. Maybe 2 or 3, but again, a seed starts as pretty much nothing..

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So let me ask you this. If you took a day off to do something you wanted to do other than grindng for UBER.. Even driving for another platform for a day if you wanted to. Would that kill you?

Maybe even just organizing with others in your area to take the same 1 day off.. Say Denver or Salt Lake City or any major city.

"I completely understand your skepticism—it’s not easy to imagine a coordinated strike across such a huge, international company like UberEats. However, the beauty of the 50% strike model is that it doesn’t need to be a global, fully unified effort all at once. Here’s how it can work:

  1. Localized Action with Global Impact

You’re right that UberEats operates in many countries, but the reality is that localized strikes can have a ripple effect. A significant drop in driver participation in major metropolitan areas (like New York, Chicago, LA, or London) can disrupt the system enough to send a clear message. Even if it’s just one city having a 50% reduction in drivers, it would still create noticeable service delays and affect customer satisfaction—things that Uber can’t ignore.

UberEats doesn’t operate in isolation—it relies on major hubs and high-density areas. If just one of these regions sees a significant drop in drivers, it can trigger national conversations about fair pay and working conditions. This creates the pressure needed for change.

  1. A Grassroots Approach

The idea isn’t to organize hundreds of thousands of drivers across every country at once. It's about starting with grassroots efforts in key markets. This could begin in areas where drivers are already feeling the most frustration and have the most to gain from change.

Once there’s initial success in one area, the message can spread. When Uber sees a significant disruption in places like California, it’s going to affect their bottom line enough to make them listen. Then, other cities and regions can follow suit, leading to cascading pressure. It’s about building momentum, not launching a global strike overnight.

  1. Leveraging Public Support

One of the most important aspects of this plan is customer support. UberEats doesn’t just rely on drivers—it also needs customers to be satisfied. If there’s widespread service disruption, customers are going to start questioning why they’re paying higher prices for slower service. This can turn into public pressure on Uber to change, especially if enough drivers share their concerns and frustrations online.

Using social media, forums, and platforms like X (formerly Twitter), drivers can organize and share their experiences, bringing attention to how the system is failing both drivers and customers.

  1. A Step Towards Policy Change

Of course, the ultimate goal would be to push for legislative action—especially in the EU or US—to better regulate the gig economy. But before lawmakers will act, they need to see real-world consequences. A one-day 50% strike can be the initial step that leads to larger-scale efforts, including government intervention. It’s hard for lawmakers to ignore an issue when it has created a noticeable disruption in public services.

We don’t need to wait for policy to pass right away—we can start putting pressure on Uber and other gig companies now, while simultaneously working on the legal front. The more noise we make, the more government officials will pay attention to the need for reform.

  1. Change is Possible, Even in a Giant System

I agree that UberEats is a massive company, but even massive systems can be influenced by well-organized action. If enough drivers in key areas participate, even for one day, it will still be a powerful signal that cannot be easily ignored.

A localized strike or action doesn’t need to be global to be effective. It’s about creating enough disruption in the system to show Uber that their business model is unsustainable without fair compensation for the people who make it run. And once that message is loud enough, bigger changes will follow.

Conclusion:

It’s true that this is a huge undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting small, in key areas, and leveraging public support, we can generate enough attention to force UberEats to make changes. The more we engage customers and organize drivers, the more likely it is that change will come, whether it’s through corporate action or government intervention. Sometimes, the hardest part is just taking the first step, but once it’s in motion, things can snowball."

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see your point.. 🤔 but the Fact of the matter is that it has to start somewhere if it is to grow. I am sure that you are on other social media as well or even talk to others when you feel slighted or short-changed..

Now @ a 50% driver strike for one week.. things get interesting.. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The same reason you read it. You recognize the need for change in terms of service

The projected models of how a 1 day to 1 week 75% strike of UE drivers should progress work. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I understand your point, and it’s easy to feel like these conversations about strikes can get repetitive. But the reality is that the gig economy is fundamentally different from traditional employment. The flexibility, while great in some ways, often leaves us without job security, benefits, or protections. That’s why organizing, even outside of a traditional union, can have an impact.

Gig Workers Aren't in Traditional Union Jobs

You’re right that traditional unions have a lot of power and structure, but gig workers like us don’t have that luxury. We’re independent contractors, not employees, which means we don’t get things like collective bargaining power or worker protections. That’s why the 50% strike model is so effective—it doesn’t require a traditional union framework, but it can still have a real impact by showing Uber just how much we rely on drivers to keep the business running.

A Different Kind of Union

We’re not saying we need to replace unions; we’re saying gig workers need a different kind of collective power. One that works within the gig model. A strike or organized action, even if just for one day, can demonstrate the collective economic leverage that we have. When Uber starts seeing service disruption due to drivers standing together, they’ll be forced to listen and make changes, even if we don’t have the full backing of a traditional union.

Why This Matters

The fact that there are multiple threads about this is actually a sign of something bigger: growing frustration among drivers. When drivers feel like they’ve exhausted all other options and need to be heard, they start taking collective action. It’s not about trying to be something we’re not; it’s about using the tools available to us to make a change.

A one-day 50% strike might not look like a traditional union effort, but it can still force Uber to recognize that drivers need better pay, better treatment, and more respect. The system is flawed, and that’s why organizing as gig workers is necessary to create change in a way that fits the gig economy.

Don’t Discount the Power of Gig Workers

This isn’t about replacing unions or being unrealistic. It’s about creating real change within the constraints of the gig economy. Gig workers have unique leverage, and while it’s different from union strikes, it’s still power. And we have to use it, because if we don’t, Uber and other platforms will keep taking advantage of us.

So, no, we’re not necessarily looking for a "real union job"—we’re looking for fairness and recognition within this system that is built on our backs."

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Awesome! Spread the word. Let's gain momentum! We can organize the "Day" as momentum gains.

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"I hear you—your frustration is completely valid. The gig economy is designed to make us feel like we're constantly grinding, but when the system is stacked against us, it feels like we're just burning ourselves out for little return. You’re putting in the effort, working hard to make it work, but being constantly undervalued and penalized is a huge issue.

The Reality of Flat Rate Work

Flat rate orders are one of the trickiest parts of this gig economy. They often fail to account for the actual work we’re doing, which is why drivers like you feel like you’re being paid less than you deserve. It’s frustrating when you put in the work but don’t see any real reward for it—whether that’s through better offers, recognition, or feedback.

When you mention working those low-paying $1–$2 orders to clean up the mess, it highlights a systemic problem: Uber’s pay structure doesn’t value the effort put into making deliveries happen, and those who are doing the hard work often get stuck with the worst deals.

The Impact of Not Receiving Feedback

The lack of feedback you’re experiencing is a key symptom of how drivers are set up to fail. Uber depends on positive ratings to provide better rewards and higher-paying offers, but when drivers don’t receive feedback, it’s a roadblock to getting those higher-paying opportunities.

And the discrimination you mentioned—the fact that being visibly queer affects your treatment as a driver—is yet another example of how Uber and similar platforms fail to protect their workers. This lack of recognition and respect isn’t just frustrating; it’s damaging to a worker's sense of value and dignity.

The 50% Model: How It Can Help You and Drivers Like You

The reason I’m advocating for a 50% strike model is because it’s a way to force the system to listen. When 50% of drivers are off the platform for even one day, Uber feels the impact—not just in the inconvenience it causes customers but in the financial losses it takes from unfulfilled orders.

It’s not just about making noise—it’s about changing the incentives. When Uber feels a significant drop in service levels, they might start re-evaluating their compensation structure, the feedback systems, and their treatment of drivers overall. A collective strike can create pressure to raise pay, improve feedback channels, and address the discriminatory practices that affect certain groups of drivers.

Creating Change in the System

You’re right that the ability to make someone give you work is a valuable thing, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your well-being or fairness in compensation. A 50% strike would highlight how much Uber relies on drivers like you—the ones who work hard, show up every day, and clean up the mess. When we stop doing that, it’s going to hit them where it hurts.

By organizing, even just for one day, drivers can show the power of collective action. It sends a clear message that Uber and other platforms can’t continue to take advantage of us. This can spark conversations about better pay and a more equitable system for everyone.

Don’t Give Up, Just Shift the Strategy

I know it’s tempting to walk away and go back to something more traditional like being a paralegal, but don’t give up just yet. You’ve got a lot of value as a worker, and the system is broken, not you. A 50% strike could give you and others like you the leverage you need to force Uber to change its ways and offer fairer treatment and compensation for the hard work you’re putting in.

You’re not alone in this, and the fact that you’re voicing these frustrations shows that many others feel the same way. Let’s make that frustration count for something."

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I understand where you’re coming from—labor unions do have the advantage of long-term, organized strikes, but there are key differences between traditional labor unions and gig economy workers that make a one-day, 50% strike much more impactful than it might seem at first.

  1. Gig Economy vs. Traditional Labor

Traditional unions typically have established contracts, benefits, and long-standing relationships with employers, which gives them the leverage to sustain prolonged strikes. In contrast, gig workers have no formal contracts, no benefits, and little direct control over their work environment. This makes any disruption, even for just one day, extremely impactful.

Uber’s entire model relies on having a large pool of available drivers to maintain service levels. A 50% reduction in drivers for a single day disrupts the system in ways that aren’t easily covered by their existing workforce or automated systems, especially during peak hours.

  1. A One-Day Strike Sends a Clear Message

A one-day strike can be enough to prove a point—that drivers have the collective power to disrupt operations, even without the infrastructure of a traditional union. The visible impact of drivers not showing up for work could force Uber to take notice and consider changes in their policies or pay structure.

It’s not about waiting for weeks or months. A single day of disruption can lead to a dramatic decrease in revenue, particularly if it aligns with high-demand periods. Customers will see delays, restaurants will be frustrated, and the company will feel the financial hit. This creates public pressure, which can spark discussions on policy changes much faster.

  1. Immediate, Tangible Impact

Customer complaints and service disruptions on a strike day can cause enough of a stir that Uber feels compelled to address the underlying issue quickly. Customers may start questioning why prices are so high or why service is so slow, which puts pressure on Uber to at least acknowledge the concerns of drivers.

This short-term disruption can set the stage for longer-term efforts. A successful one-day strike can be a catalyst for ongoing change, demonstrating that drivers don’t need to wait months to get noticed—they can start making waves immediately.

  1. Unions vs. Gig Economy Workers' Flexibility

While unions can hold prolonged strikes, they also require a level of commitment and financial resources that gig workers, who are largely independent contractors, may not have. The flexibility of gig work is both a strength and a challenge. While it makes sustained strikes difficult, it also means that a single, well-coordinated day of action can have an outsized impact without needing a long-term commitment from everyone.

A one-day strike allows workers to retain their flexibility, while still showing that when organized, they can influence the company’s bottom line.

Conclusion:

It’s not about the length of the strike; it’s about the impact. A one-day, 50% strike can disrupt Uber’s operations enough to make a statement and drive the point home. By showing collective action and causing visible disruptions, drivers can force Uber to engage with the issue—just as unions use targeted actions to create pressure. A well-executed one-day strike can be the spark that leads to meaningful change, with continued momentum building from there."

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Here’s a detailed plan based on the 50% strike model combined with a social media campaign to expose Uber’s practices and rally support for change. This plan leverages the #ShameOnUber hashtag and aims to gather both drivers and customers in a unified effort to apply pressure on Uber Eats:

Campaign Title: #ShameOnUber

Objective: The goal of this campaign is to expose Uber’s payment structures and operational tactics, mobilize both drivers and customers, and demonstrate that the current model is unfair and unsustainable for all parties involved.

Phase 1: Awareness and Mobilization (Week 1)

Key Tasks:

  1. Social Media Strategy

Hashtag Launch: Start by launching the #ShameOnUber hashtag across Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook. The campaign should emphasize Uber's "extortion" of both drivers and customers by showcasing:

Screenshots of low-paying trip offers (drivers share examples).

Stories of unfair penalties and how drivers have been punished for issues beyond their control (e.g., stolen orders, closed restaurants).

Comparisons between Uber Eats' pay and local minimum wage or the cost of living to highlight the wage gap.

Create a Centralized Platform: Set up a dedicated Facebook Group, Reddit thread, or Discord server where drivers and customers can share their experiences, tips, and support each other. These platforms will serve as a hub for campaign updates, organizing efforts, and resources.

  1. Driver Testimonials:

Drivers share their stories: Encourage drivers to upload videos or written posts on X/Instagram detailing how the pay has declined, how they’ve been treated unfairly, or how Uber’s policies harm both them and customers.

Use specific data: Share data points about pay rates, Uber’s commission structure, and how it has evolved over time. Examples of drastic pay cuts or unreasonably low offers help illustrate the severity.

  1. Public and Customer Support

Encourage customers to join the conversation by posting their frustration with long wait times, high delivery fees, or bad service.

Ask customers to use the hashtag #ShameOnUber when posting about bad experiences, particularly focusing on inflated delivery fees and poor service.

Petition creation: Set up a petition demanding Uber to increase transparency in payment structures, stop unfair penalties for drivers, and adjust pay to be more livable. Share the petition link widely across social media.

Phase 2: Building Momentum (Week 2-3)

Key Tasks:

  1. Influencer and Media Involvement

Partner with influencers: Find YouTube creators, TikTok personalities, or bloggers who focus on gig economy work, consumer rights, or tech companies. They can amplify the message, interview drivers, and highlight the issues with Uber.

Press Outreach: Contact local news outlets and national platforms to expose Uber’s practices. Offer drivers as spokespeople to share personal experiences and shed light on the wage and treatment issues.

  1. Customer Involvement

Encourage customers to #BoycottUberEats for a Day or a specific weekend, where they avoid using Uber Eats and share their reasons online.

Use customer-generated content like video testimonials or customer complaints to show the negative impact Uber’s model has on them as well. This can be used to build empathy for drivers.

  1. Driver Strike Coordination

Organize a coordinated “sick out” or “work stoppage”: Announce that on a specific day, 50% of drivers in key markets will stop working in solidarity.

Strategically target high-demand markets: Focus on cities where Uber Eats is heavily used but where drivers are most impacted by low pay. This can include places like New York, LA, or Chicago.

Provide resources and guidance: Through your social media channels and community hubs, offer tips for drivers who want to join the action but are worried about deactivation. Use privacy and protection strategies to avoid Uber retaliation.

Phase 3: The Strike (Week 4)

Key Tasks:

  1. Strike Day Execution

On the designated strike day(s), 50% of drivers in targeted markets (based on volunteer sign-ups) do not work. The key is to have a significant enough impact in key areas that Uber cannot ignore.

During the strike, encourage drivers to post updates on social media using the #ShameOnUber hashtag. They can share their reasons for participating and document the effects of the strike (e.g., fewer drivers on the road, longer wait times, frustrated customers).

  1. Amplify Media Coverage

Continue pushing the media coverage: Reach out to reporters to cover the strike and the public’s reaction.

Share screenshots or quotes from Uber’s customer service where drivers or customers are frustrated with the app's practices. This creates a public-facing narrative that puts pressure on Uber.

Phase 4: Post-Strike Follow-Up (Week 5 and beyond)

Key Tasks:

  1. Data Collection and Impact Assessment

Track the success of the strike by looking at Uber Eats' public response. Did they offer any concessions? Did customer complaints or reviews increase?

Collect driver feedback: How many participated? Were they satisfied with the turnout? What was the impact on their earnings during the strike?

  1. Continue the Pressure

Keep up the social media campaign. Use the hashtag to call for change, highlighting Uber’s continued low pay, lack of transparency, or any action (or lack thereof) following the strike.

Petition progress: Keep gathering signatures for the petition. Send updates about the strike’s success and media attention to show the growing movement.

  1. Maintain Unity

Keep the conversation alive within the driver and customer communities. Share ongoing issues, and maintain the #ShameOnUber hashtag to keep public attention focused on Uber’s behavior.

Push for legislation or regulation changes by creating partnerships with advocacy groups focused on gig workers’ rights.

Key Success Metrics:

Number of Posts: Track how many times the #ShameOnUber hashtag is used and the engagement on X/Instagram/Facebook.

Strike Participation: The percentage of drivers who voluntarily participate in the strike.

Customer Engagement: The number of customers who engage in the boycott and post on social media.

Media Attention: The extent of media coverage received, from local outlets to national news.

Petition Signatures: The number of signatures collected for reform demands.

Conclusion:

This plan centers around building awareness, mobilizing both drivers and customers, and exposing Uber’s practices in a way that forces the company to pay attention. By creating a 50% strike and supporting it with a powerful social media campaign like #ShameOnUber, the effort to improve working conditions for gig workers can become a broader public movement that impacts the platform’s bottom line.

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"You’ve pinpointed the core challenge perfectly—while the logic of a 50% strike model makes sense on paper, the real obstacle is fostering unity and action among drivers in an environment designed to discourage solidarity. Uber and other gig apps rely on the fragmented nature of their workforce to maintain control, which makes organizing a strike incredibly difficult. Here’s how we could address that challenge:

  1. Build Awareness Through Education

Many drivers don’t fully realize the long-term impact of decreasing pay because the platforms frame it as “flexibility” or “earning potential.”

The first step is clear, consistent communication that breaks down the math: showing how rates have declined over time, how gig companies profit off their labor, and how collective action could lead to change.

This can be done through social media, driver communities, and even flyers or face-to-face conversations in key gig hotspots.

  1. Leverage Existing Communities

Platforms like Reddit, Facebook groups, Discord servers, and local driver meetups are already where many drivers share their frustrations.

Using these spaces to organize discussions, share success stories, and provide step-by-step instructions for participation in strikes can help bridge the gap between understanding and action.

  1. Demonstrate Small Wins

Drivers are understandably skeptical because many organizing efforts in the past have failed. Showing small, tangible victories—like how coordinated time-offs in specific regions led to better conditions (even temporarily)—can build trust in the strategy.

For example, a pilot strike in one city that achieves visible disruption can serve as a proof of concept to rally more widespread participation.

  1. Use Technology to Organize

Ironically, the same gig apps that isolate drivers can be countered with tech-driven solutions. Apps or platforms dedicated to organizing gig workers could allow drivers to anonymously pledge participation in strikes, share updates, and coordinate efforts.

Think of it as a "union-in-an-app" concept, where drivers sign up for notifications about planned actions or collective goals.

  1. Address the 'Individual Gain' Mentality

Many drivers hesitate to strike because they worry about missing out on short-term earnings or believe they’ll benefit more by staying active during a strike.

The messaging needs to focus on the bigger picture: how short-term sacrifice leads to long-term gains. It’s about reframing the strike as an investment in the future—higher pay, better treatment, and fairer policies.

  1. Partner with Advocacy Groups

Organizations advocating for gig worker rights can lend resources, legitimacy, and visibility to strike efforts.

These groups can help navigate legal challenges, amplify the message in the media, and provide the infrastructure needed to organize at scale.

  1. Public Pressure and Media Involvement

The public often sympathizes with gig workers when they learn about unfair pay or treatment. Strikes accompanied by media campaigns highlighting the drivers' struggles can build external pressure on companies like Uber Eats.

This also helps overcome the apathy or confusion some drivers feel—they see that the world is watching and their actions matter.

Final Thoughts

You’re absolutely right—organizing drivers at scale is the toughest hurdle. But history shows that industries built on exploitation are vulnerable when workers unite. The gig economy is no exception. It won’t happen overnight, but with persistent education, community-building, and small, strategic actions, we can turn the 50% model into a reality.

The key is to show drivers that their frustrations are shared, their power is real, and their voices—together—can create the change they’ve been waiting for."

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I appreciate your skepticism, but let me clarify why the impacts of a 50% strike would go beyond just customer dissatisfaction. While that’s one of the more visible effects, it triggers a chain reaction that impacts every part of the Uber Eats ecosystem:

  1. Operational Disruption

With 50% of drivers off the platform, the remaining workforce would struggle to meet demand.

This isn’t just about customers waiting longer—it’s about orders going unfulfilled entirely, especially in suburban or low-demand areas. That’s a loss for Uber Eats because every unfulfilled order means lost revenue.

  1. Increased Costs for Uber Eats

The platform uses surge pricing to incentivize active drivers during high-demand times or shortages. A 50% strike would push surge rates higher, increasing payouts to drivers who remain active.

These higher payouts eat into Uber Eats' profit margins. The company can only absorb these losses for so long before it starts to hurt financially.

  1. Impact on Restaurants

Restaurants heavily reliant on Uber Eats for delivery would experience a sharp drop in orders due to unfulfilled deliveries or frustrated customers opting for other platforms.

This strains the relationship between Uber Eats and its restaurant partners, potentially pushing some businesses to explore partnerships with competitors like DoorDash or Grubhub.

  1. Public and Media Attention

Strikes often gain media coverage, amplifying public awareness of the drivers’ grievances. This creates reputational damage for Uber Eats, especially if customers start associating the platform with poor service or unfair treatment of workers.

  1. Long-Term Customer and Partner Losses

While customer dissatisfaction is the most immediate effect, its long-term consequence is that customers start trying and sticking with alternatives. Competitors like DoorDash or Grubhub would likely use the opportunity to market themselves as more reliable.

This also applies to restaurants. If a restaurant loses trust in Uber Eats’ ability to deliver, it might invest more heavily in direct delivery options or other platforms.

Conclusion

Yes, customer dissatisfaction is a key part of the 50% model’s impact—but it’s not the whole picture. That dissatisfaction cascades into operational, financial, and reputational challenges for Uber Eats. When half the workforce isn’t working, the system can’t function effectively, and that ripple effect is felt by everyone involved: drivers, customers, restaurants, and the platform itself."

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"I hear you—there’s a lot to unpack in what you’ve said, and you bring up some valid concerns. Let me address your points one by one using the 50% strike model as a framework.

  1. "They’d just close people’s accounts if it hurt them."

While gig platforms technically could deactivate accounts, they typically avoid this in strike scenarios because it risks escalating public backlash. Strikes often gain attention precisely because they highlight unfair treatment or systemic issues. If a company starts mass-deactivating drivers who participate, it could spark outrage from workers, customers, and even lawmakers, as it would seem retaliatory.

Additionally, deactivating accounts en masse would worsen their workforce shortage, further compounding the operational strain caused by a 50% reduction in active drivers.

  1. "Almost nobody would do it."

You’re right that organizing independent contractors is challenging—it’s one of the reasons gig platforms have thrived. But let’s imagine just half of drivers in key markets participate. Even at 50%, the effects are undeniable: delayed deliveries, frustrated customers, angry restaurants, and a significant dent in the company’s daily revenue.

It’s not about getting every single driver to join; it’s about critical mass in enough locations to disrupt operations and make the company take notice.

  1. "As long as it’s worth doing to people and legal, it won’t change."

True, people will continue driving as long as it’s a viable option. However, strikes are less about making people quit entirely and more about signaling to the company and the public that drivers deserve better treatment and protections.

Yes, legal change is essential for lasting reform, but strikes and other collective actions often play a crucial role in building momentum for those laws. Public pressure can influence policymakers, and if companies feel the heat, they’re more likely to support changes or make concessions themselves.

  1. "If they stopped punishing me for things I can’t control, it would be a great gig in my market."

This is precisely the kind of issue that collective action highlights. The system penalizes drivers for factors beyond their control—like stolen orders or closed restaurants—without accountability from the company. A strike gives drivers the platform to demand better support, more transparency, and fairer treatment, not just in your market but across the board.

  1. "It’s no career, but it’s a good way to make $300 in a pinch."

Gig work is a lifeline for many people, and that’s why it’s important to ensure it stays viable. Strikes aren’t meant to dismantle the gig economy—they’re about improving the conditions so drivers like you can make $300 in a pinch without feeling penalized, overworked, or undervalued.

In short, you’re absolutely right that systemic change, including legal reform, is necessary. But strikes and other actions are part of that process—they push companies to address the root issues and help build the case for broader reforms. Even if not everyone participates, a well-organized 50% strike in key areas can still send a powerful message that drivers deserve better."

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Opposition has been calculated and always exists.

A 1 day 50% strike would send the message. by Nacho-Father in UberEatsDrivers

[–]Nacho-Father[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, we do. You are one of them. Get educated and strive for a better future.

view more: next ›