From CNET: More than 100 drivers for the rail-hailing company held a strike and protest outside Uber's Queens, New York, offices on Monday, offering a vocal response against Uber's latest rate cuts. The company on Friday slashed its New York City prices by 15 percent in hopes of goosing rides during a typically slow part of the year.
"With these prices, I won't do it. I'm going to quit," driver Rafael Espinal told CBS New York.
The San Francisco startup, which connects drivers and passengers through its smartphone app, doesn't directly employ these drivers, instead classifying them as contractors. However, it still sets drivers' rates and the commission Uber pays itself.
The protest illustrates the dilemma Uber faces as it balances the needs of its drivers with keeping you interested in its service. It's also the latest in a series of controversies Uber has faced as it builds its service globally. Traditional taxi drivers have protested the company amid concerns Uber would hurt their businesses. Uber drivers have also sued to try to get the company to classify them as employees, which would force the company to foot the bill for Social Security, health insurance and other benefits. In addition, the company has been dogged by several sexual assault complaints against its drivers.
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