One of the world’s largest ride-sharing company, Uber has reached a historic deal with a trade union in the United Kingdom (UK).
A UK court granted over 90,000 Uber drivers with workers’ rights, through a collective bargaining agreement.
The GMB Union represents over 620,000 members across several industries. However, GMB’s National Officer, Mike Rix explained this deal is an important step.
“This agreement shows gig economy companies don’t have to be a wild west on the untamed frontier of employment rights.”
Uber officially recognised the union after a ruling by Britain’s Supreme Court in February.
“Whilst Uber and GMB may not seem like obvious allies, we’ve always agreed that drivers must come first, and today we have struck this important deal to improve workers’ protections,”
UBER EUROPE EXECUTIVE, JAMIE HEYWOOD
The Uber deal allows GMB to represent drivers if they lose access to Uber. Additionally, it will ensure two-way communication between management and drivers to discuss issues and concerns.
Also, the landmark deal will allow GMB to work with Uber on earning principles, pension entitlements and other benefits.
“Uber is the only major player in the industry to provide drivers with a National Living Wage guarantee, holiday pay and a pension.
“This historic agreement means that Uber will be the first in the industry to ensure that its drivers also have full union representation,” Mr Heywood said.
The deal is a first between a union and a gig economy ridesharing service, like Uber. But the deal does not apply to Uber’s food delivery service, Uber Eats.
The UK has recently seen a spike in Uber drivers, as demand increases in the wake of the nation’s lockdown.
