"Uber and Lyft drivers protest for better working conditions", 19 July 2019

...Uber and Lyft drivers gathered in...San Francisco to demand the ride-hailing giants for better conditions. The gig economy workers were protesting for higher pay and a union.

In an open letter, published to coincide with the protest, drivers called on Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Lyft co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer for changes in treatment. Drivers tried to present the letter at the protest, but weren't able to enter Uber's headquarters...

...The protest comes as California considers Assembly Bill 5, which could allow for drivers to be classified as employees, rather than independent contractors...As employees, the drivers would be eligible for benefits and have the right to organize collectively...

...Lyft says it... "...is advocating for an approach in line with the interests of our driver community, by modernizing century old labor laws that make it difficult to provide both flexibility and benefits,"...

...Uber echoed the sentiment. "We will continue to work collaboratively with our diverse community of drivers -- and the legislators who represent them -- to improve the quality and security of independent work..."...