[New] ACDU holds anti-Uber protests in drivers’ pay protest

Mark Bursa

While Uber is continuing to grow its Local Cab service, drivers signed up directly to Uber have staged a number of protests across the country, in protest at pay and working conditions.

Strikes and drive-slow protests were organised by the App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU), which argues that Uber has failed to comply with a Supreme Court ruling to pay drivers at least the minimum wage for all working time from log on to log off. Uber only pays drivers from dispatch to drop off, excluding waiting time. ACDU is not recognised by Uber, which has a deal with the GMB Union to represent its drivers.

On December 14, drivers in Bristol held a protest outside Uber’s local HQ before holding a mass drive of around 100 cars through the streets of Bristol. Similar protests also took place in

ACDU is also upset about a new ‘smart pricing’ system that Uber introduced in the Summer. ADCU boss Yaseen Aslam said: “With the current crisis including cost of living, fuel hike, and at a time when traditionally it should be a busy month for our members, it is disappointing that drivers have no choice but to do strike in order to make their voices heard.”

ACDU argues that the minimum wage pay does not reflect 36% fuel inflation since last year. The union is demanding that fares are increased to £2.50 per mile and 20p per minute and that Uber commission be capped at 15%.

In response, an Uber spokesperson said: “Uber’s pricing can vary by trip in order to improve reliability at certain times, but drivers are always shown how much they’ll be paid before accepting a trip, and they receive 100% of this amount.”