Uber drivers strike against unfair 'deactivation' and low pay

Uber drivers on strike in Birmingham, 9.10.18, photo by Birmingham Socialist Party (Click to enlarge)

Tom Woodcock, Birmingham Central Socialist Party

"We want our rights! We want our rights!" Uber drivers struck across the country on 9 October against unjust disciplinary sanctions and poverty pay.

The IWGB union organised the two-hour strike, along with a 'digital picket line' encouraging customers not to use Uber for the duration. Drivers demand an increase in fares and a cut in 'commission' payable to the company.

Over 30 strikers gathered outside the company's Broad Street office in Birmingham to protest over a range of grievances against the multinational gig-economy giant. Pickets were angry and described appalling working conditions at Uber.

I spoke to two of them, Mohammed and Ahmed, who explained what prompted the strike. "The number-one issue is Uber deactivating drivers' accounts. They show us no respect at all. We are on less than the minimum wage."

It seems that Uber operates a one-sided system where the bosses can unilaterally deactivate a driver's account, without any recourse, based on passengers' allegations alone.

Protests took place simultaneously at Uber offices in London and Nottingham.

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