They have very predatory and anti human behaviors built in - like making sure drivers have no good way to communicate with other driver so they can’t form a union.
Real contractors can negotiate their pay and working conditions, and real employees get training and usually know who their co-workers are.
Uber deliberately picks the worst of both categories when dealing with their drivers. Drivers are required to manage and pay for their own licence, vehicle, registration, maintenance, and fuel, while also having no training, no contact with other drivers, and no ability to negotiate pay or working conditions. Drivers can also be removed (fired) at any time without reason.
It took me over 6 months to break even on setup costs, not including the cost of the car I already had. No-one is using Uber as a way to get slightly more money when commuting with setup costs like that, and Uber knows it. “Uber” was always going to be a taxi service; just one that treats its drivers worse, pushes most costs onto the drivers, and funnels money to shareholders as fast as possibly while providing the minimum possible service.
Uber is a corporation with no empathy, and will happily crush all of its workers for slightly more profit. I will never again work for them or use any of their services.
Uber is horrible to its drivers, but as a former taxi user, I’ll say this system beats the terrible customer service by independent taxi drivers by far. Too much illegal shit was happening with yellow cab taxis in my city, which are non-existent with ride-sharing services. It’s unfortunate that someone has to bear the social cost of this service. From a consumer POV, I’d rather it be them.
Never heard of Cory Doctorow until a few weeks ago, now it seems like I come across another piece of his works every day, and every time it is spot on. I need to start following him more closely.
Can you elaborate on what the “setup costs” are? You say you’re excluding the cost of your vehicle because you already had it and I would’ve thought that was pretty much all you need to get started. Isn’t that the point, anyone with a car can do it?
a vehicle inspection to prove the vehicle is safe to use
different (more expensive) car registration to register the car as a rideshare vehicle
increase in compulsory third party insurance to match the registration
increase in car insurance for have a vehicle used for commercial purposes
In total, it was over $2,000 AUD and more than 1 month before I was permitted to take my first trip. With no training, no income guarantee, and no guarantee that I wouldn’t be immediately fired banned without cause.
Uber takes a 30%* cut first, then out of the remainder I had to pay 10% GST, then all car maintenance and fuel.
It was many hours of driving to break even. Adding the cost of food eaten while taking lunch away from home, I’m not sure I ever actually broke even. I certainly didn’t earn anything close to a living wage.
*number is out of date and from (poor) memory. Do not quote this number.
I used to drive for Uber.
They have very predatory and anti human behaviors built in - like making sure drivers have no good way to communicate with other driver so they can’t form a union.
Real contractors can negotiate their pay and working conditions, and real employees get training and usually know who their co-workers are.
Uber deliberately picks the worst of both categories when dealing with their drivers. Drivers are required to manage and pay for their own licence, vehicle, registration, maintenance, and fuel, while also having no training, no contact with other drivers, and no ability to negotiate pay or working conditions. Drivers can also be removed (fired) at any time without reason.
It took me over 6 months to break even on setup costs, not including the cost of the car I already had. No-one is using Uber as a way to get slightly more money when commuting with setup costs like that, and Uber knows it. “Uber” was always going to be a taxi service; just one that treats its drivers worse, pushes most costs onto the drivers, and funnels money to shareholders as fast as possibly while providing the minimum possible service.
Uber is a corporation with no empathy, and will happily crush all of its workers for slightly more profit. I will never again work for them or use any of their services.
Uber is horrible to its drivers, but as a former taxi user, I’ll say this system beats the terrible customer service by independent taxi drivers by far. Too much illegal shit was happening with yellow cab taxis in my city, which are non-existent with ride-sharing services. It’s unfortunate that someone has to bear the social cost of this service. From a consumer POV, I’d rather it be them.
Cory Doctorow has had a lot to say about Uber on his blog.[1]
https://pluralistic.net/tag/uber/ ↩︎
Never heard of Cory Doctorow until a few weeks ago, now it seems like I come across another piece of his works every day, and every time it is spot on. I need to start following him more closely.
Can you elaborate on what the “setup costs” are? You say you’re excluding the cost of your vehicle because you already had it and I would’ve thought that was pretty much all you need to get started. Isn’t that the point, anyone with a car can do it?
I’m in Australia, so requirements may differ.
I was required to get
In total, it was over $2,000 AUD and more than 1 month before I was permitted to take my first trip. With no training, no income guarantee, and no guarantee that I wouldn’t be immediately
firedbanned without cause.Uber takes a 30%* cut first, then out of the remainder I had to pay 10% GST, then all car maintenance and fuel.
It was many hours of driving to break even. Adding the cost of food eaten while taking lunch away from home, I’m not sure I ever actually broke even. I certainly didn’t earn anything close to a living wage.
*number is out of date and from (poor) memory. Do not quote this number.
Race to the bottom