Whilst Uber reports profits of $10bill last year and share-holders have seen shares rise 159% over the last five years, Uber drivers have seen the commission per ride increase to between 35-45%- money stolen from them for every ride! It’s quite clear where this massive profit rise has come from: by squeezing the workers!
It is far from being an easy job! One driver reported having been on a shift all night but only having done 2 journeys for the total of £14- and from this would need to pay insurance, petrol, money towards the annual licence and other general motor costs. Another driver shared a journey request: an hour and a half ride of over 90 miles was being offered for £25, which would barely cover the petrol.
It is no wonder that drivers are struggling to pay their bills; are working all the hours they can- and have had enough!
Uber drivers in Bristol were invited to a corporate event with an Uber CEO. Bristol drivers decided to lobby the event and ask the CEO some questions. About 100 drivers picketed outside, but when some tried to enter- the doors were locked! Even thought they were invited, apparently they weren’t welcome!
Uber is an international company with shareholders- and they have deep pockets they want to fill. They don’t care that drivers can’t afford to pay their rent- instead Uber just looks for more ways to make profit such as forced training courses- done in the drivers’ own time, which they pay £35 for; and then keep the threat dangling over drivers’ heads if anyone steps out of line: the suspension of the drivers’ app- no explanation, no discussion, no union!
Bristol drivers felt collective strength on Friday (strong enough for an Uber CEO to have to lock the doors!), and many started to discuss the need to join a union.
They’re going to join the national ‘shut down’ day of action on Thursday 1st May, where they’ll all switch their apps off and picket the Uber offices- hitting Uber where it hurts: in their profits!
#uberstrike
Bristol Trades Union Council 