Uber drivers walk off Melbourne job, strike over big fare change

Hundreds of Uber drivers have given up their vehicles to go on strike over fears the transportation giant is exploiting their work.

Protests took place across Australian capitals last week, with hundreds of drivers gathering outside airports in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.

Footage from the Melbourne protest shows security guards keeping a watchful eye on demonstrators chanting “unfair” and holding signs.

The protests are in response to Uber’s nationwide cut in fares by an average of three percent, which drivers say will directly impact their income.

Drivers say the change could see fares in some areas fall by as much as 30 percent due to the app’s new way of calculating fares.

Journey-weary passengers trying to get home after a long flight have been told there could be delays after drivers pulled out of the network in protest last week.

Protesters reportedly urged Uber drivers arriving at the airport to cancel their scheduled trips and join the demonstration.

The strike saw passengers see Uber rides double the price because there were fewer drivers on the roads.

The protests have left some Australians unimpressed, with many commenting on TikTok videos of the protests saying Uber’s prices were too high.

“It would cost me $70 to get from Southern Cross Station to the airport… How much more do they want me to pay?” one woman wrote.

“It’s cheaper to pay for parking or take the Skybus for $25… What do you offer that justifies such higher rates?” commented another.

A third said: “When you all learn to drive without giving me whiplash then maybe you can ask for more. Your driving skills are shocking.”

Another added: “On behalf of all Melbourne drivers, please continue the strike. The roads have not been this safe in a long time.”

Some found it ironic that drivers were protesting for their rights when Uber’s presence got many taxi drivers in trouble.

“Hypocrites, you destroyed the taxi industry because you decided to drive Uber,” one said.

Others, however, praised drivers for demanding higher wages from the app.

“Uber has ushered in the era of slavery,” one said.

“Keep it up guys, Uber needs a lesson,” agreed another.

Uber drivers were set to receive a pay raise of up to $5.39 an hour, or $95 a week, when the Pay Gap Closure Act takes effect in November.

The bill sets minimum standards for workers using digital work platforms.

Uber drivers are unlikely to benefit after the transport giant decided to cut ticket prices for passengers.

Drivers complain they have to work 12-hour days and sleep in their cars, while petrol prices and the cost of living increase.

Rideshare network secretary and Uber driver Shane Millsom has accused Uber of exploiting drivers and preventing them from earning a living.

“They’ve not only cut fares for passengers, they’ve also cut driver wages. Uber is absolutely aware that many drivers have no other choice,” he said.

Rideshare drivers are not impersonal companies; they are people who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

In an email sent on August 21, drivers were informed that the new pricing system will take into account the location of the trip and the time of day.

Uber said there will be no changes to its minimum fares or dynamic pricing.

Ride-sharing app representatives assured that they will “connect passengers with the best ride at the best price.”

“As always, passengers will be able to see the full fare up front before they apply for a journey. They will also receive a full breakdown of these new fare components on their receipt via email and in the app,” the spokesperson said.

“This new approach will allow Uber to best balance both sides of our market by ensuring there are enough drivers in the right locations to provide a seamless experience for passengers.”

The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) is encouraging Uber drivers to take part in consultation groups discussing changes to the Loopholes Act.

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said transport workers needed a safety net.

“Consultations have begun with rideshare drivers and industry representatives and can now be formalised by the Road Transport Advisory Group, which will feed back into the Commission’s new Road Transport Expert Panel to set appropriate standards,” he said.