Uber pleas for more protection for US drivers, however still doesn’t want them classed as employees

Crédit photographique : © École polytechnique - J.Barande

Ride-hailing firm Uber is urging the White House and congressional officials to support financial assistance for drivers in the economic stimulus package currently being discussed.

The firm’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, sent a letter detailing the need for new legislation that would require certain financial benefits paid to Uber drivers, while still classing them as independent contractors.

In the letter Khosrowshahi wrote: “My goal in writing to you is not to ask for a bailout for Uber, but rather for support for the independent workers on our platform and, once we move past the immediate crisis, the opportunity to legally provide them with a real safety net going forward.”

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, added on Twitter: “My request of America’s leaders: make sure Uber drivers & delivery people, along with all independent workers in the gig economy and beyond, get immediate protection and support in COVID-19 stimulus packages.

“I’ve also asked lawmakers to require companies like Uber to provide new benefits and protections to independent contractors going forward.

“Together we can create a new standard for flexible work that benefits all who choose it and is available to as many people as possible.”

Since the global outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19, journey numbers have plummeted across the taxi and private hire industries.

The stock price of both ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft have only started recovering in the last few days after a month of decline caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Last week, CNBC sources said Uber had reassured investors that they had enough cash reserves to see them through the coronavirus pandemic.