'Uber driving is the worst job I've ever had'
Taxi drivers in the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) trade union working for Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee started a 24-hour strike at 7am on Thursday (May 1). They hit out at the amount of commission companies take from drivers, which Uber admitted can be up to 40pc for some journeys, but added it averages '20-30pc' weekly.
Striking drivers held a peaceful protest on Great Ancoats Street on Thursday afternoon, attended by roughly 30 people. They told the Local Democracy Reporting Service why they took industrial action.
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In response, Uber outlined the benefits it says they provide for drivers including holiday pay and national insurance. Bosses say they are working with the GMB union and listening to their drivers to try and improve their experience in work.
But Tesfit Kidane, from Blackley, who started with Uber in December 2023, said: 'It's the worst job I've ever had.
"I was working in a warehouse before. I am thinking of going back to the warehouse.'
He added: 'The payment is not enough… We have to pay insurance and road tax. We have a family to feed from that.'
Another driver, Nesar Hamidy, said his pay is so low in Manchester that he often 'drives 40 miles' to earn more in Liverpool, Chester, or Preston — where he said 'prices are good'.
And driver Vahid, a cabbie of seven years who has worked with various firms in the city, said he was considering quitting Uber.
'The price is already half compared to other fares in Manchester,' he said. 'I used to work with other companies, like StreetCars, the wages with Uber are half.
'If they carry on what's the point working with them? With my family and the cost of living, it's not worth it.'
However, the 44-year-old admitted Uber 'has some advantages' like 'holiday pay, national insurance, and you can cash out five times per day'.
Other benefits include pension contributions, childcare vouchers, and sickness cover, Uber told the LDRS.
A spokesperson added in a statement: 'We regularly engage with drivers, especially through our industry-leading agreement with GMB Union, who are not taking part in this action.
'Uber is currently meeting with hundreds of drivers across the country to hear directly from them about how we can improve their experience on the platform.'
Morgan Powell, one of the protest organisers, said they have such benefits because 'drivers are willing to fight back'.
It's thought top Uber bosses and union chiefs are meeting next week, where pay will be the subject of discussion.
The strike action comes at a time when Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is calling for reforms of the taxi trade.
Earlier this month, he launched his 'backing our taxis campaign', calling on the government to introduce a new law to tackle out-of-area working.
The first step in making the plans a reality is the launch of a 12-week-long 'engagement exercise', said Sara Todd, the chief executive of Trafford council, who is working with Mr Burnham on the plans.
Bolt and Addison Lee were contacted for comment.
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