Uber protest outside app’s London HQ – but this time it’s the company’s own drivers demonstrating against commission hike
Another day, another protest against taxi app Uber. But this time it's the company's own drivers taking a stand.
Uber drivers are becoming increasingly unhappy with the terms the company offers, in particular its decision to increase the commission new drivers must return to the company from 20 per cent to 25 per cent.
They also fear the impact of increased competition on their earnings potential, as Uber seeks to double the number of drivers it has on the books.
Admittedly, the protest was less impactful than Black Cab demonstrations, which snarl up the roads of central London. But those who did turn up carried banners saying "Underpaid Bullied Easily Robbed" and chanted "Shame on yoU-ber".
#Uber drivers stage #protest in #London over work conditions – https://t.co/BSjJEsPe3W @GMBProDrivers #GMB #London pic.twitter.com/KCkrEJJyg6
— Lee Thomas (@leept1) November 12, 2015
Protests of @uber drivers are quite lively #uberprotest https://t.co/TIaOUtxpO8
— Joana Ramiro (@JoanaRamiroUK) November 12, 2015
While some drivers protest a line of new drivers and drivers to be queues outside @Uber HQ in London #uberprotest pic.twitter.com/0vn3nwDYR4
— Joana Ramiro (@JoanaRamiroUK) November 12, 2015
https://twitter.com/ellyannab/status/664736631665139712
Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber London, said: "Our door is always open to address any issues individuals have, including the handful who came along today. That's why we had a team of people available today to listen to their concerns and address their individual issues.
"The new service fee only applies to new drivers signing up to uberX from today – bringing it into line with other cities and other Uber products. Existing partner-drivers will not be affected by this change. Last month uberX partner-drivers in London received average payments of £16 per hour, after Uber’s service fee.
"The main reason thousands of professional drivers choose to partner with Uber is so they can become their own boss, pick their own hours and work completely flexibly. In fact many partner-drivers have left
other lines of work and chosen to partner with Uber for this very reason. Two thirds of new partner-drivers joining the Uber platform have been referred by another partner because they love the freedom and flexibility the service provides."