The e-hailing drivers’ protest action is into its third day. Here is UBER’s response to the on-going strike. Picture: File/Fotor.
UBER’s response to the on-going STRIKE in Gauteng
The e-hailing drivers’ protest action is into its third day. Here is Uber’s response to the on-going strike.
The e-hailing drivers’ protest action is into its third day. Here is UBER’s response to the on-going strike. Picture: File/Fotor.
As we reported yesterday, e-hailing drivers from Uber, Bolt and InDrive have embarked on protest action this week in Gauteng, which will last until further notice. We have subsequently received Uber’s response to the on-going strike. Faced with a long list of grievances from drivers, here’s what the company had to say …
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“We are aware of a group of e-hailing drivers that embarked on a protest in Johannesburg on Monday 16 October 2023 in which they raised a number of concerns. Among the issues raised is our investment in growing the township economy and recent upgrades to the platform,” said an Uber spokesperson.
UBER’S RESPONSE TO THE ON-GOING STRIKE
Uber asserts its position as globally focused on collaborations that have a positive impact on communities. This enables more earning opportunities and helps grow small businesses, it says. It says its growing collaboration with the Gauteng Government is addressing the unemployment problem in South Africa by investing in digitising township businesses. This investment is expected to yield over 2000 earning opportunities and R500-million in gross value added for the Gauteng economy in the next 3 years.
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“A recent upgrade to our system includes Trip Radar, a technology aimed at reducing wait times for both riders and drivers. With this new update to the driver app, drivers can now indicate their interest in trips available around them. This is in addition to individual trip offers they continue to receive. Trip Radar is available in over 60 countries and is being safely used by more than 800 000 earners daily,” an Uber spokesperson said.
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO DRIVERS
In terms of Uber’s engagement with drivers – it says it has a comprehensive approach that includes frequent roundtables with those who opt-in. In these meetings they discuss specific topics and get feedback for current and future features with drivers. Uber believes it has a clear value proposition for drivers and riders in and outside of the app.
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“That’s why we have launched industry-leading safety features, such as the in-app emergency button and Audio Recording. We have implemented fare increases, with the intention of supporting platform users with record-high operating costs. Furthermore, drivers have requested more robust rider screening, particularly for cash riders. We have since begun piloting the identification document verification of new cash riders,” said an Uber spokesperson.
OPEN TO DIALOGUE
Uber’s response to the on-going strike concludes by saying it remains committed to maintaining an open dialogue between the company and all relevant stakeholders.
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What do you think of Uber’s response to the on-going strike? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
