So by your logic, the strike in support of refugees is an unfortunate event they're trying to avoid profiting from. And they're trying not to profit from it by...breaking the strike and advertising that they're doing so?
Regardless of which choice Uber makes, they are open to criticism. There could have been articles right now about how Uber is profiting because of the strike by raising rates.
All I'm pointing out is that their action is consistent with how they've handled previous unexpected surges which had potential for bad PR.
To be clear, Uber broke a strike in support of the immigrants and refugees, advertising that they were doing so. Taxis drivers stood in solidarity with the immigrants and refugees by halting service in and out of JFK. Uber sent drivers there. Surge pricing was just an implementation detail of their being scabs.
If you want to argue on behalf of Uber breaking this strike, please, go ahead.