UberPool – a new layer of driver’s exploitation. RSDU - RideShare Drivers United | Australia & USA

Update26 July 2018, Thank you to all the drivers taking part in the special ABC investigation, (instigated by the RSDU) into Uber “upfront pricing” and UberPool. You can read the full ABC article by clicking this link.

Update 28 July 2018, RSDU announcing No Uber, Drivers Log-OFF strike! Monday 6/8/2018 – 7am to 9:30am. Click here for more info.

RSDU have been receiving many complaints from drivers about UberPool this week, in addition to hundreds of complaints about “upfront pricing”, reported in our last newsletter.

UberPool is a new, additional layer in Uber’s arsenal of exploitive methods, designed to reduce trip costs for passengers further (by up to 70% according to Uber) while further cutting drivers pay, increasing driver’s workload, vehicle wear and most importantly stifle new competition in the market. We haven’t even touched driver’s safety!

In an email to drivers dated 11 June, 2018 Uber said:

“…With UberPool, you can pick up and drop off multiple riders heading in a similar direction. The app looks for an efficient route to pick up multiple riders along an UberPool trip, and riders walk a short distance to their pickup point and from their drop off spot.

You could have several riders paying you a fare at the same time with UberPool, which means in some cases you may have the opportunity to earn more than what you would have earned on the comparable UberX trip…”

And on their website Uber mention:

“…Affordable shared rides mean more riders using the app, which can lead to more trips, less downtime, and more overall earnings for you [the driver]…”

The RSDU now have evidence, clearly indicating UberPool is a very bad idea when it comes to drivers. Not only drivers are NOT likely to earn more doing UberPool jobs, in most cases they are likely to be further undercut on equivalent UberX trips by up to 40%!

Drivers however are unable to Opt-out of UberPool. UberX Driver’s who tried opting out (safety reasons included) received a message from Uber informing them they can not do so.

In one of Uber support replies to UberPool driver request asking to Opt-out, Uber said:

“…Accepting this change [UberPool] is really to your discretion, however if you don’t it would be the same as asking for your account to be deactivated…”

Leaving drivers with no option but to accept these significantly different terms of contract.

RSDU therefore conclude UberPool is designed to (further) mislead drivers under the false “independent contractor ” classification while cutting their rightful fare pay even further. Not only Uber drivers have no control on most aspects of “their business”, thier contract can be significantly changed by Uber at any time and they have no say on the mater but to accept the new terms or be out of a job.

Uber! A company valued at more than AU$90 billion, continues to refuse to consult with drivers and continues to reduce their pay and working conditions at a whim with little to no thought for the consequences to drivers livelihoods. Many drivers depend on their Uber jobs. A survey the RSDU conducted shows one in five drivers work full-time hours, 40 hours or more, per week.

RSDU therefore call on all drivers to refuse UberPool requests until such time Uber increase the rates of such jobs, address drivers safety concerns and pay for the additional effort required by drivers to pick up UberPool passengers along the same route. Drivers are better off driving for other operators until then, who at least don’t employ questionable low tactics like “upfront fares” and UberPool. Most drivers are likely to be much better off driving less for Uber and more for the competition.

Operators like Ola, Didi or Taxify don’t currently use shady tactics like “upfront pricing” to mislead drivers or (grossly exploitative) Pool trips. They normaly charge drivers less in commissions, Ola and Didi will even show the destination to the driver before the pickup. Some even offer daily/trip bonuses as well as free driver commission trips during busy hours of the day, while still being able to offer a very competitive trip price to passengers togther with great free introductory offers.

Making better trip/job decisions lead to better driver earnings.

RSDU are also calling on the public to avoid using the UberPool. This service is designed to further (grossly) underpay drivers while increasing Uber’s profits and trip commissions. UberPool trips are likely to be financed by your underpaid driver who in most cases take a major loss on such trips. Don’t let Uber do it to drivers just like you wouldn’t like it being done to you at your own place of work. We call on the public to act responsibly and to please avoid ordering an UberPool!

The RSDU will continue to submit information to FWO. We encourage all drivers affected by upfront pricing and UberPool to do the same.

RSDU has launched an online Uber gross fare calculator to help drivers quickly determine the real gross fare for a trip according to the trip meter. Visit our website and feel free to use it and compare your Uber stated gross fare to your actual trip meter.

Have you been badly affected by UberPool or Upfront pricing? The RSDU would like to hear about it. Please visit our facebook group, Forum or contact us and tell us your story.

Please drive safe at all times.

Max B. – RideShare Drivers United
http://www.ridesharedriversunited.com

Update 28 July 2018, RSDU announcing No Uber, Drivers Log-OFF strike! Monday 6/8/2018 – 7am to 9:30am. Click here for more info.

Other matters:

To help you stay on top of your fares, we are happy to announce the release of the Uber Gross fare Calculator for the iOS (iPhone/iPad) platform. This in addition to the Android version.
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The team at Waze seeks your feedback for designing a better navigation app for drivers. Please head to our forum and follow the Waze survey link if you wish to provide Waze with your feedback.

This newsletter was brought to you by the RideShare Drivers United. A drivers group with more than 2500 members in Australia and the USA.