CWA Rideshare Workers Strike for Safety and Better Working Conditions

Over 250 rideshare and taxi drivers went on strike at the Denver International Airport last Thursday to raise wages, stop unfair terminations, and create safer conditions for drivers. The strike was organized by Colorado Independent Drivers United (CIDU), CWA Local 7777, and was led by a strike committee composed of 18 drivers. The strikers effectively shut down the holding lot at the airport, where drivers are required to wait for trip requests. Community allies, including elected officials and candidates for elected office, religious leaders, and leaders in the Black community joined the strikers. The Denver strike was part of a national day of action by Uber and Lyft drivers coordinated by PowerSwitch Action that included other driver actions in New York, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Two days before the strike, the Colorado Senate Finance Committee voted down the CIDU-sponsored “Gig Work Transparency” legislation. The bill would have required gig companies to disclose the amount they take from fares to drivers and passengers, as well as set up a grievance system in which drivers who were unjustly terminated would have a path back to reinstatement.

Throughout the one month blitz period, which included the day of the strike, CIDU increased its driver network by 260 drivers, and 26 new members joined the union.

Last Thursday, Colorado Independent Drivers United (CIDU), CWA Local 7777, organized a strike at the Denver International Airport to raise wages, stop unfair terminations, and create safer conditions for drivers.