Uber Canada and Its New Initiatives: Improved Transparency, Protection, and Earnings
The latest report from our trusted news source, Reader Wall, delivers the announcement of Uber Canada in declaring new initiatives. These advancements, stemmed from numerous feedbacks garnered from their drivers and couriers, aspire to augment the transparency, protection, and earnings of their workforce. The initiatives have been both commended and questioned over their effectiveness and intent.
Introducing: Preliminary Measures for Enhanced Transparency and Protection
The company is launching a pilot program in both British Columbia and Ontario. It aims to display the estimated fare and the destination specifics to the drivers before they accept a ride, thus allowing them to make an informed decision and get a better understanding of their upcoming task. In addition to this, a nationwide effort will be introduced to guard drivers from getting undesirable ratings which are mainly caused by unexpected instances that are not under their control.
To ensure safety, another pilot initiative allows drivers to record their rides using their smartphones. This measure can be used to document incidents if ever they transpire during trips. Uber passengers will also be reminded to wear their seatbelts at the start of each journey, highlighting the company’s commitment to the safety of everyone.
Gig Workers United’s Reaction
Despite the apparent benefits these changes promise, they were met with skepticism by individuals such as Brice Sopher, a spokesperson from Gig Workers United. Sopher describes these alterations as merely superficial, shedding light on the tendency for courier’s earnings to decrease after similar updates. It appears that the ride-hailing titan is facing a balancing act between its business model and the welfare of its employees.
The Uber-UFCW Canada Agreement
This news is not the first time Uber has initiated moves to enhance its workers’ conditions. In this year alone, Uber sealed a deal with none other than the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada. The organization assisted 310 workers in getting their accounts reactivated and resolved a total of 147 account-related concerns. UFCW Canada continues to act as an advocate for 1908 workers up to this day.
Many Uber employees, however, were ignorant of this partnership. But based on a recent survey, a majority have expressed their approval when informed about the agreement. Critics, on the other hand, assert that the original agreement was primarily intended to satisfy UFCW officials and didn’t involve enough input from Uber drivers.
The Joint Push for Legislation
The joint initiative by Uber and UFCW Canada has now started appealing for governments to legislate for app-based workers. They are endorsing for a minimum wage that is equal to 120% of the standard rate during the period of engagement, a fund for benefits, cover for occupational accidents, and the right of workers to form a union. Uber drivers and workers have expressed widespread support for these proposals in a recent survey. This response indicates an escalating demand for an overhaul on labour conditions within the gig economy.
