Uber calls on other taxi companies to end ‘exploitation’ of drivers ahead of historic union negotiations Business News

The Uber boss in the UK is due to meet with the GMB union leader to hold ground-breaking discussions on the treatment of workers by the ridesharing company.

Jamie Heywood, head of Uber in the UK, and Gary Smith of GMB have said the “exploitation” of drivers by companies such as Bolt and Addison Lee must stop.

In a joint statement, GMB and Uber said about 230,000 drivers had not obtained their legal rights.

The talks come after Uber lost a Supreme Court case earlier this year over workers’ rights. Judges dismissed the company’s appeal, ruling lower courts were correct in concluding that Uber drivers should be legally considered workers and paid minimum wage, a pension and vacation pay.

For years, Uber has argued that the drivers are independent contractors. Now the company is calling on its competitors to comply with the Supreme Court verdict.

Uber recognized GMB as a union for its 70,000 taxi drivers in May. Gary Smith, GMB general secretary, said the deal was a “first step” towards a fairer working life for drivers.

“It has shown that when companies and unions work together, standards can be improved in these industries,” he said.

“Earlier this year, the Supreme Court set a precedent for all ridesharing apps to provide drivers with worker rights such as paid time off and a pension.

“Uber did it for its 70,000 drivers, but there are over 200,000 more working for other operators who are still denied these basic legal rights.

“GMB and Uber today take another step forward in our commitment to end the operation of hundreds of thousands of ride-sharing app pilots.”

Addison Lee boss Liam Griffin hit back at Uber’s statement, saying: “We ensure that the drivers who work with us get the living wage level of London, as opposed to the only national minimum wage paid by Uber. . Drivers working with Addison Lee also have access to a pension and vacation pay. “

Addison Lee has been embroiled in her own legal battle with the workers. Thousands of drivers could claim compensation of an average of £ 10,000 each after the Court of Appeal ruled in April that workers were entitled to paid leave and the national minimum wage.