Uber drivers stage peaceful protest over payment policies and support concerns

Santo Domingo.- The organizers of the driver-led work stoppage using the Uber digital application for taxi services have announced that transportation through the platform is halting from 4:00 a.m. on Monday, March 18, until the early hours of Wednesday, March 20.

During these two days of peaceful strike action, alternative transportation will be available through other digital platforms. The call for the strike has garnered support from motorcycle drivers, known as “Uber Motor,” and delivery workers operating under the “Uber Eats” model, who share grievances regarding driver support and dissatisfaction with the rates set by the international company, as reported by Diario Libre.

While approximately 3,000 drivers have confirmed their direct participation, organizers anticipate a larger turnout, considering that there are additional taxi drivers who haven’t been able to confirm via the digital links provided by the coordinating team through WhatsApp.

Drivers will refrain from using the Uber application but will remain active on other platforms such as DiDi and InDrive to ensure users have alternative transportation options. It’s emphasized that their intention is not to disrupt free movement or cease working.

Confirmed strike participation spans various districts including Santo Domingo, Santiago, La Vega, Punta Cana, and Moca.

The agenda includes a digital strike on March 18 and 19, with the demonstration concluding in person simultaneously at the Hotel Hispaniola in Santo Domingo and the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration in Santiago on Tuesday, starting at 3:00 p.m. The event will involve participation from YouTubers who create content related to the use of the application.

Organizers urge peaceful demonstration participants to avoid disrupting traffic and to continue providing service to users via alternative platforms to minimize disruption to the country’s economic activities.

The “driving partners” are demanding answers to their concerns regarding changes in the method of payment valuation per kilometer/hour, an increase in the company’s profit share (which currently stands at 45%), inadequate driver support, unjustified trip request discounts, account cancellations based on a single user report, and other allegations they deem unfair.