Over 500 drivers working with Uber protested against the company’s alleged failure to fulfil its commitment to provider business and other incentives. The drivers, led by Telangana Cabs and Bus Operators’ Association (TSCBOA) president Syed Nizamuddin, assembled at Uber’s Hyderabad headquarters and raised slogans against the Uber management.
The Uber management, they said, refused to hold any talks on the fulfilment of certain commitment it made at the time of enrolment. “Driver have sold some of their assets to raise one lakh as down-payment even while the new vehicles cost Rs 10 lakh. As per the terms, the drivers had to have 80 hours login per week. But with no business, the drivers are being paid only Rs 15,000-Rs 20,000 from the promised amount of Rs 80,000,” Nizamuddin said.
He said that Uber had enrolled over 15,000 cab drivers from Hyderabad by paying a joining incentive of Rs 5,000 and another Rs 5,000 for referrals. He alleged most of the drivers purchased new cabs by selling or mortgaging their assets. Most drivers, who were working with different cab operators, have quit their regular jobs and joined Uber with the hope of earning a good amount.
“We will hold a symbolic hunger strike on Friday and decide the future mode of agitation. We urge the state government to intervene in the matter as this issue pertains to the lives of nearly 15,000 drivers and their families. Uber has lured the drivers with huge incentives and it cannot go scot free after cheating thousands of drivers,” said Syed Nizamuddin.
Said a Uber spokesperson, “Over 99% of driver partners on the Uber platform are thriving as a new breed of entrepreneurs. They are happy being able to take advantage of Uber’s pioneering lead generation technology that provides unprecedented flexibility, earning potential and the ability to be their own bosses,” Uber spokesperson said.
“Less than 0.5% of our base of driver partners in Hyderabad expressed concerns over temporary incentives. Our teams are working with driver partners on an individual basis to help address any concerns,” the spokesperson added.