Nashville Rideshare Drivers Unite for Change Ahead of Labor Day
In Nashville, Tennessee, the atmosphere at the Nashville International Airport was charged this Friday as around 100 rideshare drivers went on strike. This action follows a recent vote to form a new union known as the Tennessee Drivers Union (TDU), aimed at improving working conditions and compensation for rideshare drivers. The strike comes just days before the busy Labor Day weekend, highlighting the struggles that many drivers face in the current economic climate.
Forming a Union to Address Longstanding Issues
The TDU claims to represent hundreds of drivers from over 14 different countries, showcasing the diversity among the workers in this sector. According to the organization, many of these drivers work 12-hour days and have been feeling the pinch as rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft increasingly take higher percentages of the fares they generate.
In collaboration with a movement incubator called A Luta Sigue, TDU surveyed its drivers and identified five critical demands that they aim to address through the strike. Chief among these demands are:
- Better working conditions at Nashville International Airport, including an expansion of the rideshare waiting lot, which currently accommodates only about 90 drivers.
- Access to clean and functional bathrooms for drivers.
- The implementation of curfews for electric scooters due to safety concerns caused by intoxicated riders.
- A ban on out-of-state drivers who take business away from local drivers.
- Overall improvements in pay and compensation.
The Economic Strain on Drivers
Arkangelo Wilson, co-president of TDU, has been driving for Uber and Lyft for approximately six years. Previously, he worked in healthcare but now struggles to support his family. Wilson shared that many rideshare drivers, including himself, often end up with fares that barely cover their expenses. “There are times I make less than $15 for a trip from the airport to downtown Nashville,” he lamented. “When you consider gas, car maintenance, and tickets, there’s often not much income left.”
Wilson raised concerns about the unpredictable fare changes and the insufficient size of the rideshare waiting lot. “Everything is too expensive,” he exclaimed. “Why do the fares keep changing every hour? Why can it not be consistent?”
Out-of-State Drivers and Safety Concerns
Wilson also pointed out a critical issue about out-of-state drivers who come to Nashville to work. Many of them travel from states like Kentucky and Alabama and often have to sleep in their cars or clean up in gas station bathrooms. They work for several days before heading back home, taking their earnings with them.
Alongside economic struggles, TDU drivers express frustrations about safety in downtown Nashville. They claim that the rise in intoxicated passengers and reckless scooter riders poses significant risks. TDU referenced a tragic incident in 2019 where a 26-year-old man was killed while riding a scooter after reportedly consuming alcohol. Their statement calls for officials to restrict scooter usage after 9 PM. “Scooters create a safety hazard not just for residents but also for tourists and drivers,” a TDU spokesperson declared.
Responses from Rideshare Companies
In light of these growing tensions, Lyft issued a statement concerning their commitment to improving the driver experience. The company announced a new earnings policy stating that drivers will now retain at least 70% of their weekly rider fares, after accounting for external fees. “Improving the driver experience is essential to our purpose,” Lyft emphasized in their message.
Meanwhile, Uber has yet to respond publicly to any inquiries from the press regarding the drivers’ strike or the issues raised by TDU.
The Path Forward for TDU
Leaders of TDU made it clear that this strike is just the beginning of a long fight for better conditions and pay. The union remains dedicated to pushing for change over the coming years. “We know that a single action won’t bring about major changes,” Wilson acknowledged. Even if he eventually leaves the rideshare industry, he hopes to create a more sustainable environment for current and future drivers.
“Many people think we make a lot of money doing this job,” Wilson said. “I have to push for better conditions. Even if I leave, I want to know that citizens are living well, just like any other human being.”
This Labor Day weekend, the voices and struggles of Nashville’s rideshare drivers are hard to ignore as they fight for their rights and livelihoods. The strike stands as a reminder of the challenges many gig economy workers face and emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and potential changes in the industry.
