GMB launches survey on racism and workplace safety for Uber drivers and other gig economy workers
The GMB union has launched a survey to gather evidence on how last year’s riots affected Uber drivers, riders, and couriers. The initiative aims to address racism in the gig economy and strengthen workplace protections.
The union is urging its members to participate, arguing that racism is a serious health and safety issue. In the summer of 2024, workers were attacked based on their ethnic background or faith. According to GMB representatives, the risk remains high in 2025.
The survey will inform a Special Report to be presented at the GMB Congress in 2025. It will also examine whether platform operators have legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure safe working conditions.
GMB has expressed concerns that public discussions around immigration are being used to fuel hostility against UK communities. The union stresses that no worker should be forced to choose between their safety and their livelihood.
The campaign also raises the issue of whether protections for drivers and couriers should be included in minimum industry standards. GMB argues that if licensing rules exist to protect riders, similar safeguards should apply to workers.
The union has previously fought for stronger protections in industries like security, working with government bodies, licensing authorities, and operators to address violence against workers. GMB says it needs input from its members to develop a targeted response for the gig economy.
Uber drivers and other gig workers can share their experiences and contribute to the campaign by completing the survey.
The GMB National Officer and GMB National Deliveroo, Uber and Uber Eats Representatives said in a statement: “Racism in any workplace is a serious health and safety issue. In the Summer of 2024 workers were attacked by racist rioters because of their (perceived) ethnic background or faith, and the risk for global majority workers has not gone away this year. We cannot allow this to happen again.”
