Hundreds of Uber drivers have ditched their vehicles to strike over concerns they are being exploited by the transport giant.
Protests were held across Australia’s capital cities with hundreds of drivers flocking outside airports in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne last week.
In footage from the protest in Melbourne, security guards were seen keeping a close eye on the demonstrators as they chanted ‘unfair’ and held signs.
The protests are in response to Uber nationally lowering fares by an average of three per cent with drivers saying this will directly impact on their income.
Drivers say the move will see some fares reduced by as much as 30 per cent in some areas because of the way fares will now be calculated by the app.
Travel-weary passengers trying to get home after long flights were told to expect delays after drivers went offline to protest last week.
Protestors were reportedly encouraging Uber drivers arriving at the airport to cancel their preplanned trip and join the demonstrations.
As a result of the strike, passengers were seeing their Uber rides double in price due to there being less drivers on the road.
Hundreds of Uber drivers have ditched their vehicles to strike over concerns they are being exploited by the transport giant (pictured, protests at Melbourne Airport)
The protests left some Australians less than impressed with several arguing Uber prices were too high in the comments of footage of the protests posted on TikTok.
‘From Southern Cross station to the airport it would have cost me $70… how much more do they want me to pay,’ one woman wrote.
‘Cheaper to pay for parking or take the $25 Skybus… what do you offer that warrants such higher rates?’ a second commented.
A third said: ‘When you all learn to drive without giving me whiplash, then maybe you can ask for more. Your driving skills are shocking.’
Another added: ‘On behalf of all other drivers in Melbourne, please stay in strike. the roads haven’t been this safe in a long time.’
Some found it ironic that the drivers were protesting for their rights when Uber’s presence has caused many taxi drivers to struggle.
‘Hypocrites, they have killed the taxi industry because of choosing to drive Uber’ one said.
However, others applauded the drivers for demanding better pay from the app.
‘It is slavery age through Uber,’ one said.
‘Keep it up guys, Uber needs a lesson,’ a second agreed.
Uber drivers were expected to receive a pay rise of up to $5.39 per hour, or $95 a week when the Closing Loopholes Bill comes into effect in November.
The bill sets minimum standards for workers on digital labour platforms.
However, Uber drivers are unlikely to feel the benefits after the transportation giant decided to reduce fares for passengers.
It comes as drivers complain of having to work 12-hour days and sleep in their cars amid soaring petrol prices and cost of living pressures.
Rideshare Network Secretary and Uber driver Shane Millsom accused Uber of exploiting its drivers and making it impossible for them too earn a good living.
‘They haven’t (just) reduced passenger fares, they’ve reduced driver pay as well. Uber is absolutely aware that many drivers have no other choice,’ he said.
‘Rideshare drivers are not faceless businesses; they are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.’
In footage from the protest in Melbourne, security guards were seen keeping a close eye on the demonstrators as they chanted ‘unfair’ and held signs (pictured)
In an email sent on August 21, drivers were told the new price calculation system would factor in the origin of the trip and the time of day.
Uber said there would be no change to minimum fare rates or surge pricing.
The rideshare app said it would ‘match riders with the best ride at the best price’.
‘As always, riders will be able to see the full cost of the fare upfront before requesting a trip. They will also receive a full breakdown of these new fare components in their receipt by email and in-app,’ a spokesperson said.
‘This new approach will enable Uber to best balance both sides of our marketplace – making sure there are enough drivers in the right places to provide a seamless experience for riders.’
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is now encouraging Uber drivers to participate in consultation groups discussing changes to the Closing Loopholes Bill.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said transport workers needed a safety net.
‘Consultation with rideshare drivers and the industry has begun and can now be formalised through the Road Transport Advisory Group that will inform the new road transport Expert Panel of the Commission to set appropriate standards,’ he said.
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