FNV is pleased with the promised extra support for independent taxi drivers, but at the same time believes that Uber is avoiding its responsibility as an employer. The support for the taxi industry is necessary and FNV is therefore pleased that The Hague is now arranging something for this group of taxi drivers. But the support comes from the wrong angle when it comes to Uber taxi drivers. 

“Independent taxi drivers and Uber taxi drivers have now had to fight hard for help. While in the case of Uber taxi drivers, Uber, as an employer, should have appealed to the NOW scheme, ”said Amrit Sewgobind driver FNV Flex and Compliance.

Driver Sewgobind writes that even in this crisis we see that the company is doing everything it can to place all responsibility on the taxi drivers. And in this case, The Hague, and therefore the taxpayer, will solve it for Uber. That is not true. The company has benefited from all kinds of tax benefits for years and has enough cash in hand, about 6 billion euros, to weather the Corona crisis. Rather than relying on NOW, which reimburses 90% of labor costs and Uber accounts for 10%, Uber is taking advantage of the emergency measures for small business owners and the self-employed.

plastic screen 

The company also does window dressing because it gives the drivers a thin plastic screen and 10 euros to spend on disinfectants. While the taxi industry is standing still. The demand from tourists, nightlife and commuters - a significant part of the income - has fallen away in one fell swoop. Uber himself indicates that drivers with Corona will be financially compensated for two weeks, but it is unclear exactly how this works.

risks 

In the meantime, the company is still operating and earning money and has shifted its focus to UberEats. Uber taxis are not allowed to stand still on the street, even at the official taxi ranks. Then choose between fines or high parking rates.

Sewgobind: "Taxi drivers are now allowed to deliver meals, but there are risks involved, which are again with the drivers."

employer

Uber is an employer in every way. By accessing the platform, who is no longer welcome, control over the way of working and the reward. Court judgments in France, England and the Netherlands confirm this, Sewgobind writes. In March of this year, the French Supreme Court already ruled that drivers who drive for the digital taxi service Uber should be considered employees. An Amsterdam judge also reached the same verdict in February 2019 in a case involving a lease contract.

By: Yvette de Vries

Also read: Criticism of Uber after signing aid letter