Rumbling with anger, the Uber biker gang
LOOKING alarmingly like a bike gang, this was the sight when scores of couriers from Uber’s takeaway delivery service protested over pay.
They refused to deliver McDonald’s meals – angering customers left waiting for their food – and caused gridlock on roads around the firm’s London headquarters.
Shortly before, they had caused traffic chaos by slowly riding around Parliament Square.
The couriers, mainly on mopeds and scooters, said Uber Eats had changed its payment structure and reduced the minimum per delivery from £4.26 to £3.50.
Some have been pushing for a minimum payment of £5 plus a further £1 for every extra mile they have to travel.
Many of those taking part in the unofficial strike outside Uber’s offices near Aldgate East Tube station on Thursday left their bikes in the road, forcing police to clear the area.
Dozens parked near McDonald’s restaurants, then refused to carry out deliveries that had been placed via the Uber app. Many of the disgruntled couriers could be heard chanting: ‘No money, no food.’
Furious customers tweeted about their frustration, with one writing: ‘My order has taken 90 minutes now and is still “preparing’’ – what can I do about this?’
Another customer replied: ‘Cancel it. Uber messed with their drivers’ pay and they are all on strike. I waited two hours for them to just cancel.’
Meanwhile, Sam Hunter tweeted: ‘Thanks Uber Eats for such wonderful service. Order confirmed at 2.20. Still waiting at 3.30.
‘Call the office and they say there is not enough drivers. Turn up to the same McDonald’s and there is 12 of them sitting outside. Brilliant service… not.’
A courier involved in the protest described the new pay structure as ‘unacceptable’.
But an Uber Eats spokesman said last night: ‘The new system will improve [couriers’] earnings during the busiest times. We’re also introducing minimum payment guarantees of £9-11 an hour.’
The London Living Wage is £10.20 an hour, while the national minimum is £7.83.
Uber has been dogged by controversy over pay for years.