Uber drivers in Glasgow are planning a protest to demand fair pay and better protection, stating that a new system being introduced could jeopardize lives on the road. The drivers claim that their income has significantly decreased over the past year, with only a small percentage seeing an increase in earnings.
The protest is scheduled to take place outside the company’s ‘green light hub’ on Washington Street in Glasgow. This is not the first time drivers in Glasgow have voiced their concerns about pay and safety, as similar protests have occurred in recent years.
A survey conducted among drivers who are represented by GMB Scotland revealed that only one in five drivers are earning more now than they were a year ago. The union organizer, Paul McLaughlin, highlighted the lack of transparency in how fares and wages are calculated, leading to frustration and uncertainty among drivers.
Uber’s use of surge pricing to increase fares during peak demand has also been a point of contention, with drivers calling for a clearer distribution of the increased revenue. The planned introduction of the new ‘Trip Radar’ system has raised further concerns among drivers, who fear it could pose risks to their safety and that of passengers and other road users.
Mr. McLaughlin emphasized the need for clarity from the company regarding fare calculations and earnings, urging Uber to prioritize the safety of drivers and road users. Previous protests in Glasgow have addressed issues such as long working hours, with some drivers reporting working up to 100 hours per week.
Despite facing challenges in launching operations in Aberdeen, Uber remains committed to expanding its services in the UK. The company, first established in Glasgow in 2015, has since operated in Edinburgh and is set to begin services in Aberdeen soon. After facing licensing issues, Uber was granted permission to operate in Glasgow in June and aims to commence operations by the end of the year.
Similar protests have taken place across the UK, with drivers in Bristol and Birmingham targeting Uber’s local offices. The company has faced protests in other countries as well, with drivers in America staging a nationwide strike and drivers in Minneapolis successfully resolving a pay dispute.
Uber has been contacted for comment regarding the upcoming protest in Glasgow. The drivers are adamant about their demands for fair pay, transparency in earnings, and overall safety on the road. The outcome of the protest remains to be seen as drivers continue to advocate for their rights and concerns.
