Uber, Lyft drivers strike nationwide over low wages

(FOX 2) - Many who use ride sharing services were stuck without a ride on Wednesday as drivers around the world called for a one-day strike.

"I was kind of nervous. I thought I was gonna have to walk to work," Paula Hammond said.

She did get a ride. But decreasing wages for drivers, lack of job security and other working condition issues led to the strike.  

"We want more money. The pay is too low. We work a lot of hours. I know it's a new system but we should work out the bugs," said Uber driver Dan Galeski.

RELATED: Rideshare strike planned by drivers over low wages Wednesday

But despite the bugs, some drivers like Dan couldn't afford to join in on the strike. 

"I need to get on the road," he said. 

Lyft says drivers have earned more than $10 billion on the platform and 75 percent drive less than 10 hours a week to supplement their existing jobs. Uber is hoping the strike won't hurt an upcoming initial public stock offering.

In a statement, they said: "On average, Lyft drivers earn over $20 per hour. We know that access to flexible, extra income makes a big difference for millions of people, and we're constantly working to improve how we can best serve our driver community."

In their own statement, Uber said: "Whether it's more consistent earnings, stronger insurance protections or fully funded four year degrees for drivers or their families, we'll continue working to improve the experience for and with drivers."

"It's a good business. It just doesn't pay a lot," Dan said.

Those using the rideshare service hope that people will boycott them for the one day only -- and that tomorrow will be a new day.