Union calls for London Uber driver strike in February over pay and working conditions concerns
Uber drivers in London are set to stage a strike and protest outside the company’s headquarters, demanding better pay, job security, and working conditions.
The App Drivers & Couriers Union (ADCU) has called for action on Sunday 11 February, from 10am to 1pm, urging drivers to switch off their Uber apps for 24 hours in protest against what they describe as unfair treatment by the ride-hailing giant.
The strike is driven by concerns over rising operating costs, stagnant pay, and job insecurity. The ADCU says vehicle expenses, including fuel, insurance, and maintenance, have soared, while Uber’s pay structure has not kept pace with inflation. With daily living costs also at record levels, many drivers say they are struggling to make ends meet despite working long hours.
A major grievance is Uber’s ‘Trip Radar’ feature, which the union argues pits drivers against each other for fares, reducing their ability to earn a stable income. The union claims the feature leads to drivers undercutting each other, effectively forcing them into a bidding war for jobs. The ADCU wants Uber to scrap Trip Radar entirely, arguing that it adds unnecessary stress and uncertainty to an already challenging job.
Beyond pay, the strike will also highlight concerns about unfair dismissals and a lack of transparency in Uber’s pricing model. The ADCU alleges that drivers can be removed from the platform without proper explanation or the right to appeal, leaving many without an income overnight. The union is calling for clear dismissal policies and a system that ensures drivers are treated fairly.
Another key demand is an end to Uber’s ‘dynamic pricing’ system, which fluctuates based on demand. Drivers say the system is unpredictable and lacks transparency, making it difficult to plan earnings. Instead, the ADCU is pushing for fixed pay rates of £2.50 per mile plus 50p per minute, ensuring a more stable and sustainable income for workers.
This latest strike is part of a long-running dispute between Uber and its drivers over pay and conditions in the gig economy. The ADCU has led previous strikes and legal battles, including a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2021 that classified Uber drivers as workers entitled to minimum wage and holiday pay.
