Uber Drivers Initiate Strike Over Compensation and Fee Disclosure

A contingent of Uber drivers has commenced strike action, citing disputes over their earnings and the clarity of service fees. These drivers in Newcastle, who lack formal union representation, convened to demonstrate outside the company’s premises situated near the Bigg Market. Modifications implemented by Uber subsequent to a 2021 Supreme Court judgment mean that drivers are no longer privy to the total amount a customer has paid, only their individual fee, a situation they deem “unfair”. Uber was contacted for a statement regarding the matter. The court’s decision stipulated that Uber drivers should be classified as employees, which would entitle them to minimum wage and holiday pay. Previously, drivers would collect payments directly from customers and remit a fixed 25% charge to the firm. Uber has since revised this procedure to manage payments itself, subsequently forwarding a fee to drivers. Drivers have expressed dissatisfaction, stating there is no transparency regarding the proportion of the fare they receive. Abdul Khan, 35, from Fenham, who participated in the protest on Tuesday, stated he had been driving for Uber for two years but “didn’t get paid enough” and felt that “this is going to happen again this year”. He reported spending between 12 and 13 hours daily either working or awaiting assignments. “People can’t take home even £100 – if they do, it’s only going to pay for fuel,” he commented. Mohammed Rahman, 31, an Uber driver for five years, asserted that both drivers and patrons are receiving unfavorable terms. “We’ve seen a lot of customers paying double, triple the fare,” he remarked. “For example, if we take a 10-mile job, that might give us £7 or £8, but customers are paying £20 or £30.” He added, “They don’t show us anymore what they’re charging – just what we’ll make and I don’t think that’s fair.” Newcastle City Council indicated that while it possesses no jurisdiction over Uber’s relationship with its drivers, it was cognizant of their concerns. A spokesperson conveyed, “We have sought to discuss the matter with Uber, to better understand the situation, and will continue to monitor the company as we would any of our 81 licenced private hire operators.” For updates, follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.