Over 100 Drivers Will Caravan Through D.C. Today to Defend Their Right to Work for Themselves

Washington, D.C. – Today, over 100 drivers will participate in a massive car caravan from RFK Stadium to Foggy Bottom, demanding the city recognize their right to work for themselves. Drivers are also calling for the recall of D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, as a result of his efforts, at Uber’s urging, to shut down Empower and strip drivers of their livelihoods.

A spokesperson for Empower’s Driver Advisory Council said, “The efforts to shut down Empower are a direct attack on drivers’ civil rights and a clear attempt to eliminate competition in favor of Uber’s monopolistic control.”

In the past few days, riders have sent thousands of emails, tweets and calls to Mayor Bowser, urging the Mayor to protect the right of drivers to work for themselves and determine their own worth. Drivers using Empower charge riders about 20% less on average than Uber, so these riders have also been making clear the impact that shutting down Empower would have on their own pocketbooks.

“The people of D.C. deserve leaders who fight for them,” said Joshua Sear, CEO of Empower. “Attorney General Schwalb has shown time and again that he serves Uber, not the people. His abuse of power and disregard for drivers’ civil rights make clear he should be recalled.”

The protest caravan will proceed in an orderly fashion at around 3pm from RFK Stadium through the city to Foggy Bottom. Today’s demonstration is the latest in a series of actions demanding justice, fairness, and the safeguarding of drivers’ civil rights. Drivers and riders are hopeful that this demonstration will result in Mayor Bowser making clear she supports protecting drivers’ basic civil rights.

About Empower

Empower is disrupting companies like Uber with an innovative model: drivers set their own rates, keep 100% of the fare and pay the company a subscription fee. With Empower, drivers are neither employees nor contractors; they’re customers. Under this model, drivers are making thousands of dollars more per month than they do working for Uber, which only pays them about 50-60% of what riders pay to Uber.

Because drivers get 100% of the fare, they are able to charge riders about 20% less, on average, than Uber charges and still make considerably more money. As a result, riders who book rides through Empower save money too. Riders can also request a same-gender or favorite driver, which many riders indicate provides them with a greater sense of safety.

To learn more about Empower visit www.driveempower.com 

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