On Tuesday, August 20, hundreds of rideshare drivers voted to form the Tennessee Drivers’ Union and to strike on Friday, August 30 to address worsening working conditions at the Nashville International Airport. Workers are striking strategically on Labor Day weekend, as they recognize that it is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
NO DRIVERS NO TENNESSEE – NASHVILLE’S 31 BILLION DOLLAR TOURISM INDUSTRY IS DEPENDENT ON DRIVER LABOR???? pic.twitter.com/qwL2c9wZly
— tndriversunion (@tndriversunion) August 30, 2024
These drivers represent 14 different nationalities and speak multiple languages. “We are many nations working for [a] common goal,” says the co-president of the Tennessee Drivers’ Union. “If we don’t come together as people striving for their rights then we will continue to suffer and [be] robbed by two giants, Uber and Lyft.”
Rideshare drivers are demanding that the Nashville International Airport expand the rideshare lot and expand access to clean bathrooms. The drivers are also demanding a limit on the use of scooters after 9 pm for driver and pedestrian safety, enforcement of the ban on fake taxis, and a living wage. “Drivers should be paid by the minute and mile!” reads a statement by the Tennessee Drivers’ Union.
“Uber has increased its take rates significantly over the past three years,” the statement reads. “Many drivers fear being unhoused, and drive for hours at a time to be able to make it week to week.”
“The drivers refuse to continue to let huge companies like Uber and Lyft profit off of its labor. They want Nashville to hear their struggle. This strike will be the first of more ruined vacations for Nashville tourists. Unless and until their demands are met, Tennessee and its tourists can expect further disruptions.”
The Tennessee Drivers’ Union claims to be inspired by the organizing efforts of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, which has announced its readiness to strike over Uber and Lyft locking out drivers from accessing the applications to earn their livelihoods.
