If you’ve been following message boards, Facebook groups, our SherpaShare Pulse this past week, you’re aware that, again, a vocal group of drivers are planning to strike today, this time on SuperBowl Sunday. Here’s our coverage of what drivers have been talking about recently. Are you planning on striking today? Why or why not?
The latest on the planned SuperBowl Uber strike
In cities across the US, some drivers have been actively trying to spread the message about striking today, on SuperBowl Sunday, one of the busiest days of the year for Uber.
Will this strike have any impact? The fact of the matter is that past strikes simply have not made any major impact. The most common demands, higher rates and to have a tip option, have definitely not happened. According to drivers, it’s been “too difficult to connect independent contractors” or “drivers have realized past efforts have not worked either so just keep on driving”.
But just like week there was one of the largest Uber strike turnouts we’ve seen. Hundreds of drivers protested in New York City because of recent fare cuts. According to drivers we spoke with, they want to build on that momentum as well as capitalize on the national media attention that the SuperBowl gets.
Disrupting the SuperBowl
In the Bay Area drivers have been talking about blocking off the Uber driver lots at Levi’s Stadium today. This could effectively trap on-duty Uber drivers from being able to go pick up passengers. In addition, some drivers have been planning to meet at Candlestick Park ahead of time to “meet and strike”. Why Candlestick? This was the last SuperBowl venue in the Bay Area…
Across the country, from NYC to Detroit, other drivers are trying to coordinate as well. And it remains to be seen what the impact is like, if any.
Should you drive, strike, switch to Lyft, or enjoy the game?
These are the questions that hundreds have been posting about over the last week on the SherpaShare chat.
One recent chat raised this as a moral dilemma: The driver really wants to not work so they can show Uber “we matter”, but has important bills this week and needs the money. S/he asks for advice! Can you even afford to strike and not get paid?
And if you can afford to strike, why not just enjoy the game. This has been pointed out by others as well, who’d rather enjoy the day and not worry about making a statement.
Another common theme: Drivers talking about just switching to Lyft and getting the guaranteed rates. Some say it’s just not worth the headache to deal with the potential game day issues with Uber.
And then there are the strikers. As one driver has stated, today will be very telling, whether “drivers in SF have the cojones to strike”. We’ll see and be watching the SherpaShare Pulse all day to see what’s happening… Enjoy the game / driving / strike / party!
Want real-time updates today from drivers on the road, open up the Pulse app (iOS) or Driver app (Android).
SherpaShare Blog 
Each one of us by not driving for Uber today would make a significant political and revenue dent on Uber.
Fellow drivers, would you rather keep fast decending into debt than make your voice heard? Uber is good at exploiting our vulnerability (the bill trap). The fact is, the more you worry about bills, the more you drive for Uber and the more bills you get and fast accumulate debt. It got to sense: No Uber in Super Bowl Sunday. Keep the protest alive!
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No uber in Super Bowl
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I totally agree with that last statement! Drivers need to unionize ! We as drivers are stronger as 1 … Otherwise Uber will countue to make cuts at our expense ! Why ? Because they can unless we are one !
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In fact, Uber is the cause of our bills. Just to name the main few: vehicle maintainance costs, the increased risk and inevitability of getting involved in road traffic accident by driving for Uber, the citations from cops, speed and red light cameras, auto insurance complications (e.g., denial of benefits because of Uber client your car, and getting sued by clients), Uber’s untouchable $1000 deductable insurance, the risk of your private auto insurance premium doubling because of minor accidents etc. No one, no matter how smart and experienced driver he/she is, escapes these incidents. Stop Uber.
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“In addition, some drivers have been planning to meet at Candlestick Park ahead of time to “meet and strike”. Why Candlestick? This was the last SuperBowl venue in the Bay Area…”
This is not correct, the last and only Bay Area Super Bowl was at Stanford Stadium in January of 1985.
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