Sheila Caffrey, Bristol Socialist Party
While Uber reports profits of $10 billion last year and shareholders have seen shares rise 159% over the last five years, Uber drivers have seen the commission taken by the company increase to between 35-45% – money stolen from them every ride! It’s quite clear where this massive profit rise has come from: by squeezing the workers.
It is far from being an easy job. One driver reports having been on a shift all night but only doing two journeys for the total of £14. From this they would need to pay insurance, petrol, money towards the annual licence, and other general motor costs. Another driver told us about one job request: an hour and a half ride of over 90 miles was being offered for £25, which would barely cover the costs.
It is no wonder drivers are struggling to pay their bills, are working all the hours they can, and have had enough!
Uber drivers in Bristol were invited to a corporate event with an Uber CEO. They decided to lobby the event and ask the CEO some questions. About 100 drivers protested outside, but when some tried to enter, the doors were locked. Even though they were invited, apparently they weren’t welcome.
Uber is an international company with shareholders, and they have deep pockets they want to fill. They don’t care that drivers can’t afford to pay their rent. Instead, Uber just looks for more ways to make profit, such as forced training courses, done in the drivers’ own time, which they pay £35 for. And the threat dangles over drivers’ heads – if anyone steps out of line – the suspension of the drivers’ app. No explanation, no discussion!
Bristol drivers felt their collective strength on 25 April (strong enough for an Uber CEO to lock the doors!) and many started to discuss the need to join a union. They’re going to join the national ‘shutdown’ day of action on Thursday 1 May, where they’ll all switch their apps off and picket the Uber offices. Hitting Uber where it hurts: in their profits!
