Thousands of Uber customers have deleted their app and posting the evidence to social media after some of its drivers tried to do business at JFK airport during a taxi strike.
The New York Taxi Workers Alliance called for all drivers to avoid John F. Kennedy International Airport on Saturday to make way for protests against President Donald Trump’s executive order barring travelers from seven Muslim countries from entering the US.
Many users noted that Uber still appeared to be servicing riders during the strike. The company also tweeted after the strike saying it had halted higher fares that normally kick in during periods of increased demand.
In response, people began deleting Uber from their phones and posting the evidence to Facebook and Twitter using hashtag #deleteUber
“We’re sorry for any confusion about our earlier tweet — it was not meant to break up any strike,” the company said. “We wanted people to know they could use Uber to get to and from JFK at normal prices, especially last night.”
The company employs over 35,000 drivers in the New York City region.
Uber CEO Travis Kalanick sent an email to employees Sunday announcing a plan to help drivers who may be overseas and unable to reenter the country because of Trump’s travel ban, which he called “unjust.”
Kalanick said Uber would provide lawyers and immigration experts to drivers barred from entering the country using a $3 million company-created legal defense fund. Drivers will also be compensated for lost wages.
Kalanick was recently names among 19 executives who will provide economic advice to Trump. Kalanick now says he will urge the government to reinstate travel immediately.
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