PROTEST PLIGHT
BRISTOL UBER DRIVERS PROTEST AGAINST FARE CUTS, COMMISSION AND LACK OF COMMUNICATION
Dozens of angry Uber drivers took to the streets of Bristol on 9 October, to protest against the company’s recent decision to slash customer fares by 50%. In addition to fairer wages, they are
also demanding a reduction in Uber’s “dynamic” commission and a more transparent communication system regarding fare changes. The drivers argue many drivers are facing unsustainable financial
situations due to the changes. The drivers gathered outside Uber’s office only to find it closed. They
plan to continue their
protests every Wednesday until their demands are met.
NOTTINGHAM UBER DRIVERS SAY: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”
Hundreds of drivers gathered outside Uber’s office in Notting- ham on 22 October, to voice concerns over decreased fares and increased costs. Protest organiser, Abid Rashid, an Uber driver since 2017, said: Uber is not giving us the right fares. There’s a new system and they are trying to get more money from
customers and take more com- mission for themselves.” He explained that a month ago he could earn around £6 for a two- mile trip and now he receives as little as £3.80 for two miles. The drivers claim a new algorithm judges the maximum that it can charge passengers and then checks what is the lowest fare a
drivers can be paid. “We need Uber to talk to us, we are doing everything possible to reach an agreement with them. Enough is enough.” Protesters voiced other demands including better support for drivers from Uber and the development of safety measures and protocols to protect drivers while on the road.
GLASGOW UBER DRIVERS STAGE PROTEST OVER PAY AND TRIP RADAR SYSTEM CONCERNS
Uber drivers in Glasgow have staged a protest outside the company’s ‘green light hub’, demanding fair pay and more protection while warning that a new system being put in place will put lives at risk. The drivers, represented by GMB Scotland, claim that their earnings have plummeted in the past year, despite prices rising for customers, with only one in five earning more now than they did a year ago. Ewa Zezula-wozniczka, GMB union rep, said drivers were struggling to earn enough to cover expenses. The protest comes amid concerns over Uber’s
44 new ‘Trip Radar’
system, which offers fares to multiple drivers simultaneously. Drivers fear the system will be a distraction, putting their safety and passengers’ safety at risk. Amir Humza, 27, raised concerns with the new dashboard system: “Normally if they offer you a job, you’ve got a couple of seconds to accept it and so you’re losing concentration on the road as you’re driving. Other drivers are desperate to make money so you have to act quick to get it and it could be dangerous.” GMB Scotland organiser Paul McLaughlin said: “The company’s priority must be the safety of our
members and other road users.” He called for greater transparency with fare
calculation methods,
particularly surge-pricing, stating Uber must be clearer and ensure the increased revenue is shared with drivers, adding: “The company must understand the need for that clarity and urgently deliver it.” Uber drivers have previously protested in Glasgow over long working hours, unfair dismissals and pay. The company has defended its practices, stating that it regularly engages with drivers and has a national agreement with GMB Union.
NOVEMBER 2024 PHTM
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