Uber drivers look at IPOs, call for strike in the United States and the United Kingdom

NEW YORK (Reuters) – In the United States and Britain, drivers at Uber Technologies Inc. have announced that they will strike on Wednesday, protesting what they call low wages. a day before the transportation services company launches its initial public offering. 90 billion dollars.

Drivers and regulators around the world have criticized Uber's commercial tactics almost from its launch.

The general manager, Dara Khosrowshahi, hired to help the company overcome a series of scandals and manage the IPO, promised to better treat drivers. Uber, for example, is paying more than $ 300 million in unique premiums to over one million drivers and has changed its policies, including allowing drivers to tip.

Uber has firmly and mainly managed to postpone his attempts to force him to treat drivers as employees, claiming that his core business is a platform that brings together drivers and drivers. And the losing society is under pressure to cut costs.

Uber has 3 million drivers in the world and it is not clear if the actions taken can significantly slow down the service, although the organizers have received wide publicity.

"Say no to greed," UK trade union United Private Hire Driver, which wants to create a "digital picket line" in London and three other cities, said Wednesday.

In the United States, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and several other major cities have planned activities. Many also want better compensation from their rival Uber Lyft Inc.

"Uber and Lyft both said the biggest threat to their investors was the dissatisfaction of drivers. They know they do not pay enough for drivers to be satisfied, "said Los Angeles organizer Brian Dolber.

Uber and Lyft have gradually lowered their rates, especially in more established markets, where they have reduced incentives and bonuses to attract new drivers. They have also developed more complex formulas to determine what cyclists pay and what drivers earn.

Both companies have recently substantially reduced the per kilometer salary earned by drivers in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and some of them have estimated a loss of 10% to 20% of their profits. Lyft said his hourly wages have increased over the last two years and are averaging over $ 20 at the hour.

A representative of Uber in a statement said that drivers were the heart of the business. "Whether it's more consistent earnings, stronger insurance coverage or fully-funded four-year diplomas for drivers or their families, we will continue to work to enhance the experience." for and with drivers, "said the person.

Uber noted that a recent study whose authors included current and former Uber employees showed that the gross earnings of drivers averaged $ 21 / hr.

Drivers are classified as independent contractors and miss days of paid sick leave and vacation and must pay their own expenses, such as car maintenance and gasoline.

A study conducted by the economic think-tank Washington, a left-wing think tank in Washington, calculated that after deducting costs and taxes, Uber drivers earned the equivalent of 9, $ 21 hourly wage.

Organizing the drivers is difficult, however, said Edward Escobar of the San Francisco Bay Area, who founded the Alliance for Independent Workers four years ago. Drivers often work part-time and sometimes in various transportation and delivery services.