Drivers working for a number of leading delivery apps have logged off as part of a campaign for better pay and conditions.
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) said that workers at Uber, Bolt and Addison Lee were taking action for six hours from 4pm today, Valentine’s Day (Friday 14 February).
As well as in Brighton, groups of drivers were backing the industrial action in other cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham.
The union said that drivers were being forced to work 70 to 80 hours a week to make ends meet.
Organisers said that they hoped the action would be an important step in uniting drivers who they say are faced with low pay and insecure conditions.
The IWGB is calling for better pay and more secure work, as well as the introduction of safety measures for drivers like rider ID verification, complaint tracking systems and support for victims of assault.
IWGB chairman Nader Awaad said: “Up and down the country, drivers whose lives have been torn apart by apps like Uber are saying the same thing: it’s time for us to take back the wheel.
“As private hire drivers we offer a great service to the customers and form an essential part of the transport system.
“We deserve to be paid well and to have our jobs protected. Instead, industry profits have soared at our expense.
“The government and licensing authorities have abandoned us to the mercy of these companies. We are left with no choice but to come together and take action ourselves.
“This log-off has reignited drivers’ faith that by uniting we can transform this industry for the better.”
Addison Lee said: “We have a close working relationship with our drivers which was further reinforced in our recent bi-annual driver satisfaction survey.
“We do not expect to see any disruption to volumes or service levels.”
Uber said: “As workers, all Uber drivers are guaranteed to earn at least the national living wage when taking trips, with Uber topping up their earnings if they ever fall below this level.
“The majority of Uber drivers can and do earn much more. Uber drivers have the freedom to work where and when they want and have access to industry-leading rights such as holiday pay and a pension, as well as formal representation through the GMB union.”
Uber said that all its drivers were paid holiday pay weekly as cash, representing an extra 12 per cent of their earnings, and they were given a weekly earnings statement showing what Uber kept from fares.
Bolt said: “We recognise the vital role drivers play in keeping cities moving and remain committed to ensuring our prices balance the earning needs of drivers with affordability for passengers.
“We are the only operator that enables drivers to set their own minimum pricing and also take advantage of dynamic pricing where fares are based on market conditions.”
I read this as the roads will be safer because a large number of unqualified L-Plate drivers will not be weaving dangerously around Brighton. If they want to demand reasonable working conditions, start by raising their standards to a reasonable level. I’m still strongly of the opinion that L-Plate should not be allowed to drive commercially.
Totally agree
According to the earlier article on the number of take-aways in Brighton there’s going to be a lot of hungry students tonight!
You underestimate the motivation that a kebab can have on a person. Myself included.
Given the average delivery rider’s standard of riding, I don’t think they should be paid any more. Absolute danger to everyone.
Saw one of them riding down a public footpath on a moped, nearly hitting several people at Moulsecoomb station the other day.
Not an unfamiliar story to me either. Aware of at least two incidents where moped food delivery drivers used a footpath as a cut through, one involved knocking over a pensioner.
These drivers and riders are terrible road (and pavement!) users. The company should be using any spare funds to train them in road safety and conduct proper licence checks and provide proper gear (lights etc!). Additionally, maybe a thought that all their staff should be registered on a council or police approved list to ensure they are authorised to work and drive/ride these vehicles/bikes. Plus new law needs to be put in place for the electric bikes. It is so unsafe for pedestrians.
Potentially, I wonder if it could be made are part of the premises agreement?
They should be outlawed as they enable living on takaways which makes you fat and a burden on the holy NHS
People are allowed to live off takeaways of they want to, hahaha. I wouldn’t recommend it, but it is in option they are completely entitled to.