Uber says they are engaging with the drivers to understand their concerns
Uber drivers across New Zealand have announced nationwide strike action on Saturday to protest against what they claim are unfair pay rates and a lack of transparency from the ride-sharing platform's end.
Part-Time Uber Drivers said they will be striking on September 13, from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
"The strike will be visible at major airport driver zones in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch," the group said in the announcement.
The drivers cited unfair pay rates that force them to work between 60 to 70 hours a week as one of the reasons for the strike. They also attributed it to:
- Unjust cleaning fee reimbursement policies
- Excessive working hours
- Lack of representation and transparency in Uber's policies
"We sincerely pray and hope that the public will stay safe during this period, and we call on Uber to address these issues urgently so drivers can return to the road with dignity and fairness," the drivers said in a statement.
Uber's response to the strike action
In response, a spokesperson from Uber New Zealand said they are aware of the planned protest and are working with the drivers to understand their concerns.
"We are aware of a planned protest involving some drivers at various locations across New Zealand, including some airports. We are in communication with those airports and are working to reduce the impact on riders as much as possible," the spokesperson told HRD in a statement.
"We regularly engage with our driver partners and will continue to work with them to understand any concerns."
