Uber drivers go on strike in London and New York ahead of IPO, early protests sparse

Uber drivers in London and major U.S. cities held a series of strikes on Wednesday to protest the disparity between gig-economy conditions and the sums that investors are likely to make in Friday's blockbuster stock market debut.

Protests were sparsely attended in London, New York and California, and rides appeared easily available in some cities where strikes were called.

Drivers and regulators around the world have long criticized the business tactics of Uber Technologies Inc.