1. Fair pay. Base rates must be consulted with drivers before any major changes to the price are being made. Rates must allow for proper car maintenance, petrol, deprecation, services and odd major repairs while leaving drivers with at least minimum wage. Most drivers in Victoria are making a loss driving at current base rates.
It is RSDU’s view that current base rates should be immediately increased and be brought in line with Sydney rates. Some flexibility in rates must also be allowed to compensate for wide petrol price fluctuations.
Uber Drivers in Melbourne demand the following minimum rates to make driving at base rates viable:
Flagfall: $2.50
+Per KM: $1.45
+Per minute: $0.45
Minimum Fare: $9.00
2. There must be a limit to the number of hours a driver can work per day, which can not exceed 12 hours. There have been numerous reports about drivers dossing off at the wheel after driving 14+ hour shifts, just to make ends meet and take home minimum pay. Absence of such a limit on the current Uber platform is a safety issue and a liability. [Update 11/12/2017 ] Demand fulfilled. Uber recently introduced a maximum 12 hours driving shifts limit in Australia. Read more here.
3. Uber deactivation policy is too harsh leaving drivers with no chance of defending their case while they may face loss of their only income. Uber must use a proper due process before deactivating drivers. In matters of urgency when a driver must be deactivated, Uber must compensate this driver at a minimum wage for at least 3 weeks while the matter is being resolved. Most drivers depend on their Uber income. They can not just be cut off their only source of income with no notice.
4. Once applicable, Increase flag fall by $1.00 to account for new Government levy. Passenger to pay.
5. Drivers must have an indication of the fare, an estimate or drop-off address before having to drive to the passenger pick up location.
6. Uber should provide a tipping option via the app.
Melbourne Uber drivers list of Suggestions
These are optional and are recommended by RSDU as we believe they will further improve the Uber service in Melbourne:
1. Uber should introduce a basic “knowledge” test/customer service skills test for new recruits and existing drivers. There should also be a basic English knowledge test.
2. Uber should introduce higher night rates (starting after 11:00pm).
3. Uber should cap or wind down the amount of new drivers it accepts and offer more incentives to its current experienced drivers. Flooding the market with new drivers degrades the service and worsen pay and work conditions for all other drivers.
4. Drivers should be provided with more filter trips. At least 4 per day to help them better plan their working day and have more control over their daily income.
Update 26/4/2017
Read next article: Uber “Officially” Received RSDU’s Letter of Demands…
Quick links
- Why are Uber drivers in Melbourne not happy
- What are drivers demanding
- How YOU can help make this protest effective
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- How to contact RSDU
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- Join our Melbourne Whatsapp group and stay updated in real time
RSDU is committed to helping RideShare drivers from all around the world. Please contact us should you wish to start getting organised and start a collective action in your home country/state.
