Uber, Lyft drivers planning to strike Wednesday

ATLANTA (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Regular Uber or Lyft customers may want to make other plans for Wednesday. Rideshare drivers are planning to go on strike around the world including metro Atlanta. 

"They're not doing right by the drivers," said Shante Randolph who drives for Lyft. 

Randolph said recent changes in pay structure are slowly putting the brakes on her business.  

"They're robbing and they're stealing from the drivers who make them a big company," said Randolph. 

Randolph and other rideshare drivers plan to do something about it. They plan to turn off their apps and their cars and go on strike Wednesday. 

Uber driver Brian Chapman said he's having to work two or three times harder just to make the same money he previously made. 

'Every time you don't think they'll go any lower, they do, and they can because they have a surplus of drivers," said Chapman.

Drivers say while their pay has gone down, rideshare companies are making big bucks.  The strike comes as Uber is expected to make its debut on the public market.  

An Uber Spokesperson sent FOX 5 News this statement: 

"Drivers are at the heart of our service─we can’t succeed without them─and thousands of people come into work at Uber every day focused on how to make their experience better, on and off the road. Whether it’s more consistent  earnings, stronger insurance protections or fully-funded four-year degrees for drivers or their families, we’ll continue working to improve the experience for and with drivers.”

A spokesman from Lyft also sent a statement:

"Lyft drivers’ hourly earnings have increased over the last two years, and they have earned more than $10B on the Lyft platform. Over 75 percent drive less than 10 hours a week to supplement their existing jobs. On average, Lyft drivers earn over $20 per hour. We know that access to flexible, extra income makes a big difference for millions of people, and we’re constantly working to improve how we can best serve our driver community."

There are some drivers, like Fernando Coria, who said he still plans to get behind the wheel on Wednesday.

"I'm actually going to work Wednesday. I don't really think it's going to change anything that's happening right now," said Coria.

But others say they're putting it in park.  

"I'm striking and I'm going to take a stand for myself and fellow Uber/Lyft drivers and hopefully that affects change," said Kay Arroufi who drives for Uber.

The hours in which drivers will be striking varies from city to city. In Atlanta, drivers plan to strike from noon to midnight. They also plan to rally outside the Uber office at noon and outside the Lyft office at 5 p.m.