Around 70,000 Uber drivers based in the UK have secured a pay rise following successful negotiations with trade union GMB.
Wages will increase at varying rates for different cities, linked to fare rises. In London, prices are set to go up by an average of 5%. Uber has also stated that it is making changes to peak hours and minimum base rates to help boost driver earning opportunities.
Recently, GMB and Uber signed a recognition deal after the union won a landmark court case to categorise the drivers as workers. The firm agreed holiday pay and guaranteed minimum earnings with the union, as well as access to a pension scheme from a private hire operator as of October.
Andrew Brem, general manager of Uber in the UK, said: “In order to meet the growing demand for Uber rides, we are looking to sign up 8,000 new drivers in the capital. Minimum base rates will increase in cities across the UK in order to attract these new drivers, which will be in addition to the 10,000 that have joined Uber across the UK following the move to provide holiday pay and access to a pension. This is aimed at helping to boost driver earnings and to help keep London moving with a reliable Uber service.”
Martin Smith, national organiser at GMB, added: “Following negotiations between Uber and GMB, drivers across the country will see more cash in their pockets. During this cost-of-living crisis, which is seeing workers struggling to make ends meet, this is a rare bit of good news. This success shows other private hire operators the way forward: recognise and work with professional trade unions who know how to make work better.”
