Wrongful Uber and Lyft rideshare Driver Deactivations Suck!
I've been swamped with messages from Uber and Lyft lately, laying out how deactivations will roll out moving forward. And honestly, I'm seeing some silver linings here. The issue of drivers being wrongfully booted off the platforms is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.
Now, here's where it gets personal. Recently, I've been flagged for 'unusual activity' regarding my cancellations, which is a head-scratcher. To add insult to injury, I had a surge payout of $3.50 yanked away due to alleged GPS spoofing—tech wizardry I'm clueless about.
Despite my 700+ trips this year and 8,000+ over four years, they brushed off my appeal with a 'glitch' explanation but still held back my surge earnings. It's a tough pill to swallow, considering the app's rules and algorithms can't possibly predict every scenario. It's not personal, they say, but when it affects my pocket—it sure feels like it.
No, I'm not being deactivated, but an app is accusing me of bad behavior. So what's to stop Uber or Lyft from doing something more serious.
Here's the kicker: amidst this chaos, New York's recent settlement with the state attorney general has clarified how Uber will manage deactivations. So, let's dissect Uber's deactivation policy and what their 'commitment' spells out for us drivers:
Certain behaviors might put us on the chopping block.
Tenure might be taken into account—notice the 'might.'
Should any lock-outs happen, Uber pledges clear and empathetic communication.
In severe cases, we get to contest any decision sidelining us for over a week.
And here's a quirky one: Uber 'should' (not 'will') adopt a consistent deactivation review process.
Uber's promising human involvement in the review process, a heads-up to provide additional info, and protection against false claims. But, let's face it—the use of 'should' rather than 'will' doesn't exactly scream commitment, does it?
Now, onto the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG), which both Uber and Lyft nudge us towards for deactivation disputes. This driver-led advocacy group is a beacon of hope, fighting for our right to collectively bargain. They're all about equipping drivers to negotiate fair work conditions and stop exploitation. Check them out at driversguild.org.
Here's where I stand: It's a mixed bag.
While Uber and Lyft are trying to iron out the deactivation wrinkles, my confidence in their resolve is shaky. And the idea of relying on a union to battle deactivations doesn't sit well either. Unions have their place, sure, and they can do a lot of good like IDG aims to do. But if I'm ever booted from one platform, I'll shift gears to the other platform. And if both give me the boot? I might hang up my keys and explore new horizons.
I'm a driver at heart. I've even toyed with leveling up to a commercial insurance policy and offering private rides. There's a certain thrill in being behind the wheel, having control, and knowing I'm making someone's day a bit easier. But the way we're sometimes treated by these apps? That's the actual speed bump.
What are your thoughts? Ever faced a deactivation scare? Have you considered other avenues outside of rideshare? Hit the link below, and let's get a real talk going in the comments. Because at the end of the day, whether we're navigating through traffic or through policies, we're all in this together.
Stay safe, stay savvy, and keep thriving!
— Levi
