Uber drivers protest in Glasgow against 'plunging pay' amid rising costs

Uber drivers have held a protest in Glasgow, demanding fair pay and transparency in pricing structures from the company.

Drivers also raised concerns that the implementation of a new dashboard system for allocating fares will risk lives on Scotland’s roads.

Dozens of workers demonstrated outside the Uber Greenlight Hub in Glasgow city centre on Tuesday.

One driver told STV News he has seen a difference in his earnings from a year ago.

“Last year, starting at 7.00am, you would hit £100 by midday,” Vini Sharma said. “Nowadays you’re working all day and hardly making that much.”

“It’s really difficult, and everything is going up. Insurance is really high.”

One of Vini’s concerns was the “really high” commission levels. He also runs a small food business and estimates Uber takes around a 40% cut.

Ewa Zezula-Wozniczka is a GMB rep and an Uber driver in Edinburgh. She highlighted that 55% of drivers say they are getting less pay than a year ago.

She added that part of the frustration is due to a “lack of transparency” in how much the company is charging the drivers.

Paul McLaughlin from GMB Scotland organiser said Uber must also be far clearer about its ‘surge pricing’ system to ensure increased revenue is fairly shared with drivers.

He said: “Our members are committed and skilled drivers working to ensure a first-class service for Uber users.

“The very least they deserve is to be given full and clear information about how fares and earnings are calculated.

“The company must understand the need for that clarity and urgently deliver it.”

Meanwhile, drivers fear the proposed introduction and rollout of the new “Trip Radar” system will endanger lives on the road.

The electronic system, which offers fares to multiple drivers at the same time, demands drivers’ attention and, they claim, will be a distraction, adding to the risks to them, passengers and other road users.

McLaughlin said: “The rollout of this system should be paused until the drivers’ concerns are properly addressed.

“The company’s absolute priority must be the safety of our members and every other road user.”

Uber has been contacted for comment.