Drivers ready to pull plug on Uber

UBER passengers across Australia face the prospect of more stop-work action by drivers if the ride-sharing company refuses to improve pay rates for add-on services.

Tens of thousands of Uber drivers didn’t pick up passengers during yesterday’s morning commute as they protested for fairer conditions.

Ride Share Drivers United want Uber to axe its upfront pricing and go back to paying drivers for the actual time and distance travelled, to allow for unexpected traffic, stops or even road closures.

The group wants drivers to be allowed to opt-out of multiple pick-up service UberPool, while those who choose to optin be paid the equivalent of base Uber rates plus at least an extra 20 per cent.

The protest also calls to increase UberX rates by at least 15 per cent.

Drivers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart and Perth logged-off between 7am and 9.30am yesterday in the call for Uber to meet their demands within 10 days or face more disruptions.

“The upfront payment and UberPool are two extra layers of exploitation,” said group spokesman Max B, who declined to give his surname.

“As a contractor you have no control over your business.

“You work much harder than a normal trip (in UberPool) and often you have to stop in illegal stopping places, where you get fined.

“Uber never consults drivers. Uber needs to bring prices to sustainable levels.”

He said customers should not have to pay more, rather Uber should cut back its commission on rides.

An Uber spokeswoman said the company wanted successful driver-partners so had invested in technology to encourage more riders to share tips about the best times and

THE UPFRONT PAYMENT AND UBERPOOL ARE TWO EXTRA LAYERS OF EXPLOITATION. AS A CONTRACTOR YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER YOUR BUSINESS MAX B, PROTESTING UBER DRIVER

places to drive. “We have a range of channels for driverpartners to engage with Uber and provide feedback including regular round tables and focus groups, partner support centres around Australia, plus phone and 24/7 in-app support,” she said.

Ride-sharing platform Ola’s country manager for Australia, Simon Smith, said the strike was “a sign Australian rideshare drivers are fed up and demand better working conditions”.

If Uber does not comply with the demands, similar strike action could happen as early as next week.