A 'massive' and 'hard fought' victory for GMB Union
Taxi firm Uber has announced that it will give drivers access to medical cover, compensation for work-related injuries, sick pay, parental leave and bereavement payments in a move that GMB Union is hailing a a 'massive' and 'hard fought' victory.
In October 2016, the Central London Employment Tribunal ruled in GMB's favour - determining that Uber drivers are not self-employed, but workers entitled to basic workers’ rights including holiday pay, a guaranteed minimum wage and an entitlement to breaks. Uber refused to accept this, but our members fought on and the decision was upheld at appeal.
GMB has been campaigning in the gig economy because too many employers are using new technology to undercut workers rights and get round paying a fair wage.
At long last it seems Uber are starting to listen to GMB members complaints regards the company’s treatment of drivers and denying them their rights. This is a major step in the right direction, but our successful court victories, winning workers’ rights for Uber drivers, could have all been avoided if they had sat down and talked with GMB from the start. Today is an acknowledgment that if you work in the gig economy, for companies like Uber, GMB is the union that will fight for your rights.
Mick Rix, GMB National Officer
If you're a worker in the so called 'gig economy' or an agency worker, GMB is the union for you
