News / Uber
Angered drivers take to streets against Uber
Dozens of unhappy Uber drivers protested against the firm’s wage policies on Wednesday morning.
According to the drivers, the firm’s recent move to slash customer fares by 50% had cut down their earnings drastically.
Apart from fair wages, the drivers also called for two more demands which included reducing the currently “dynamic” commission that Uber charged and a transparent communication system that notified drivers about fare changes.
is needed now More than ever
The drivers gathered outside Uber’s Bristol office to voice their demands
Florin Talos, who has been an Uber driver for four years encouraged “customers to use other platforms” instead of Uber.
Talking to Bristol24/7, Talos said: “Our earnings are half. We need to stay more on the road, which is not safe. We can not see our family, because we need to earn more money to keep up with expenses.”
With the cost of living crisis looming large and prices of utilities like gas and electricity skyrocketing, drivers are pushed over the edge with barely any savings.
The protest also saw a convoy of cars with drivers holding placards through the windows
Addressing the “critical” need for private hire drivers, a document seen by Bristol24/7 about the protest said: Private hire drivers are critical to the transportation network of Bristol and surrounding areas providing safe, reliable and essential services with environmentally friendly cars.
“Yet without these changes, many (drivers) are being pushed into unsustainable financial situations. We stand united and will continue our protests until meaningful change is achieved.
“We also call on passengers to support us.”
The drivers gathered outside Uber’s office on Upper York Street were surprised that the office which was supposed to be open today was closed.
Talos continued: “We will go every Wednesday, till Uber listens to our requests. Every Wednesday we will protest for two hours outside the Bristol office.
Bristol24/7 has contacted Uber for a comment.
All photos: Florin Talos
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