#lyft strike

There's a lyft / uber strike planned this week from 7am to 9pm on Wednesday May 8th. I got a notification this morning that every ride taken this week gives me credit on future rides. I found that tempting but then remembered why they are doing it - to encourage folks to cross a picket line. I for one won't be taking advantage of this offer, as I stand in solidarity with people utilizing their right to free speech to bargain for better working conditions.

Realizing how hard life would be without workers in a given industry should be a reason to *support* strikes. Strikes are temporary, demonstrating what the effects on everyone would be if all those workers left, to show the power they have in collectively bargaining. Notice this demonstration, and support the strike and the collective demands of workers so that they don’t all up and leave. 

You can support them for 12 hours and then go back to continuing to benefit from their service afterwards, or you can demonstrate to them and their bosses that even though you couldn’t function without these workers, they aren’t valued enough by their communities to deserve living wages and safe working conditions. 

Workers on strike are relying on their communities to support them. It is a scary act of trust in fellow workers to put yourself in a position vulnerable enough to lose your income, your job, your reputation in the industry, out of sheer belief in your fellow workers and your community that they will have your back. They are trusting you. Please don’t betray them. If you, too, feel that supporting the strike puts you in a vulnerable position, please work with the unions to come up with solutions. Reach out to your community. Follow their lead and trust them like they trust you. 

I asked if he was still planning on going to the monthly poly event tonight and he said yes, he was gonna shower and then take the bus.