Uber Drivers Strike Across New Zealand, threatening Travel to Major Sporting Events
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Uber drivers across New Zealand are striking today, impacting services in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Drivers are protesting what they call “unfair pay rates, unsafe long working hours, unjust cleaning fee policies, and lack of portrayal in Uber’s decision-making.”
The strike coincides with two major sporting events – the All Blacks vs. Springboks match at Sky Stadium in Wellington and the Warriors vs. Penrith Panthers game at Go Media Stadium in Auckland – perhaps leaving spectators scrambling for option transport.
Drivers have expressed concern that fewer cars on the road could lead to an increase in drink-driving incidents, urging police and road safety authorities to be vigilant. They maintain the action is about “fairness and survival, not endangering others.” A previous strike took place in 2018 over similar concerns regarding low earnings and a lack of clarity from the company.
Uber has acknowledged the planned protest and stated they are “in interaction with those airports and are working to reduce the impact on riders as much as possible.” The company also affirmed its ongoing engagement with drivers to address their concerns.
Auckland Harbour Bridge Fully Open After Pro-Palestinian March Postponed,Uber Driver Strikes End
Auckland traffic will not be impacted by a planned pro-Palestinian march across the auckland Harbour Bridge on Saturday,September 13,2025,as the event has been postponed due to high wind conditions. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has confirmed the bridge will remain open to southbound traffic all day. Additionally, planned strikes by Uber drivers have concluded after a 24-hour period, though organizers warn further action might potentially be taken if demands are not met.
Harbour Bridge March Route Changed
Originally, southbound traffic from Auckland’s North Shore on the northern Motorway was scheduled to be blocked from 9 am to accommodate a march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge. However, due to predicted high wind levels, organizers have altered the route. The march will now begin at Aotea Square and conclude at Victoria Park.
The NZTA announced the change via Twitter, stating the bridge would remain open to southbound traffic throughout the day. https://twitter.com/nztaaklnth/status/1966371228387573827
Uber Driver Protests conclude – For Now
Uber driver protests, which aimed to highlight concerns over pay and working conditions, ended on Saturday after a 24-hour period of drivers going offline. A spokesperson for the drivers stated that even a single day of collective action “Uber will feel the impact.”
The core demands of the protesting drivers center around fair compensation, respect, and improved treatment. “We are not asking for luxury. We are asking for fair pay, respect, and proper treatment,” the spokesperson said.While no further strikes are currently planned, the possibility of renewed action remains if Uber does not address their concerns.