WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — Connecticut rideshare drivers got out of their vehicles and onto the streets for a one-day strike to demand better pay and treatment.
The drivers gathered at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks in solidarity with a nationwide movement that is calling out companies like Uber and Lyft, accusing them of getting greedy and taking more of their profits.
“We have to fight for each other,” said Abubakar Abba of the Independent Driver
The drivers called for the end of what they say is corporate greed. They are demanding change and a fair wage.
“The rate is going down and down,” explained rideshare driver Ali Alkayed. “Six years ago we got paid double what we get paid now. Now take into consideration the inflation rate, gas prices, the high insurance rate, and the cost of living.”
The drivers are backed by groups like the Independent Driver Guild and the Justice for App Workers Coalition, who helped organize the Hartford strike and nine other metropolitan area airport strikes throughout the country.
“I do it full-time, but I can’t survive on Uber alone. The income doesn’t justify it,” added rideshare driver Rob Bova.
The drivers were not only fighting for fair pay but also for the space to spread their message as the Connecticut State Police squabbled with the group over their ability to remain in Bradley’s waiting lot.
Eventually, the drivers were allowed to stay in limited numbers.
The drivers highlighted concerns such as paying out of pocket for the rising cost of living, vehicle maintenance, and gas without any health benefits.
“Gas is about anywhere from 15 to 20% of my income,” said Bova.
They also said companies need to do more to keep drivers safe.
“Sometimes you have a nice person. Nice conversation, friendly. And some others are aggressive or entitled and, in that environment, you don’t know what is going to happen,” explained driver Enrique Ruano.
He also said the companies will deactivate drivers who don’t deserve it.
“When the rider complains, they get a free trip and then the rider loses his job,” claims Abba.
Uber claims drivers make on average $33 per hour while Lyft says their drivers make $30.68 before fees. Both companies say they allow drivers to dispute a deactivation.
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Here in Connecticut, a bill in the last legislative session would have required companies to pay drivers a minimum of 85% of each fare, but it didn’t make it across the finish line.
Wednesday’s protest and strike marks the first-ever rideshare driver demonstration in the Hartford area since Uber started in 2014.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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