Uber drivers observe strike

A group of Uber drivers yesterday observed a 24-hour work abstention, starting from midnight, to press home their eight-point demand.

Under the banner of ‘Dhaka Ridesharing Drivers Union’, they demanded reduction in the commission they have to pay to Uber, raising fare due to a hike in gas price, taking no action against drivers without properly investigating passenger complaints, putting a limit of two kilometres on maximum distance between drivers and passengers, and removal of the bar on working hours. At present, they are allowed to drive for Uber for 12 hours per day.

The commission taken by Uber should be brought down to 12 percent from the existing 25 percent, Belal Ahmed, general secretary of the union, told The Daily Star.

He said they have been pressing their demands for the last six months and have held several demonstrations.

“The Uber authority did not pay heed,” he said.

So, they went for work abstention, he added.

Belal claimed that at least 7,000 drivers had joined their protest. Besides many bikers also joined in, he claimed, adding that ‘Bangladesh Ridesharing Drivers Union’ has also extended support to the cause.

Asked about passengers’ inconvenience, he said, “We are requesting them to bear with us for one day, for the betterment of the service.”

UBER’S STATEMENT

Meanwhile, ridesharing app Uber’s Dhaka office issued a statement in this regard.

“We regret the disruption caused to the rider and driver-partner community, due to a small group of individuals. We strive to provide reliable and safe transport options to get around the city and hope to minimise any distress caused,” it said.

“We are committed to providing reliable, convenient and safe transport options to our riders, while providing access to flexible income opportunities for our driver partners,” it added.

“We always prioritise the well-being of our driver-partners and have processes in place to address concerns and issues through our Partner Sheba Kendra and in-app feedback,’’ it said.