A labor union claims that thousands of Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee drivers will be going offline during peak hours on Valentine’s Day to protest for improved pay and working conditions. The strike, organized by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), is scheduled from 16:00 to 22:00 GMT across the UK. The IWGB aims to support drivers facing challenges like low pay and job insecurity in cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, and Brighton.
One of the drivers participating in the strike is Vasilica Dumitrescu, who has been working for Uber and Bolt for nine years. Dumitrescu, a 51-year-old who works seven days a week for over 80 hours, shared the difficulties she faces financially and emotionally due to the current conditions. She expressed dissatisfaction with the meager earnings from her hard work, struggling to cover bills, rent, and food expenses.
While Uber assures that their drivers receive at least the national living wage and have opportunities to earn more, Dumitrescu and other drivers participating in the strike challenge these claims. Helio Santos, another driver taking part in the protest, emphasizes the unsustainable nature of current conditions for drivers across the UK. He criticizes the low fees, lack of safety measures, and alleged disregard from Uber towards drivers’ concerns, suggesting that the company’s promises like the national living wage are inadequate.
The IWGB points out that since drivers attained the legal status of “workers,” their working conditions have deteriorated. In addition to advocating for fairer pay and more stable employment, the union calls for the implementation of safety measures like rider ID verification and support systems for drivers who experience assault. The strike includes a vigil in memory of Bolt driver Gabriel Bringye, who was tragically killed during a robbery in 2021. This tribute aims to honor Bringye’s memory and highlight the need for increased protections for drivers in his name
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