By: Natasha Archary
Striking Uber drivers says they are fearful of losing their jobs due to a third-party deal over the cars they use under the e-hailing brand.
As the strike enters its second day, a number of Uber drivers say car-ownership company Moove, replaced their contracts which was previously with Uber itself.
Protesting in Kramerville, Sandton, hundreds of Uber drivers are demanding that Uber address their concerns and contractual fears with Moove immediately.
Drivers say under the new contracts they no longer contain a “drive-to-own” agreement, which means they could be forced out of employment at any moment.
Moove is a Nigerian-based company which has reportedly cancelled the previous drive-to-own contracts that were in place with Uber Drivers.
Uber drivers pay a weekly rental fee of R2 300 to make use of the vehicles they use to transport people.
Disgruntled drivers says this amounts to close to R10 000 a month, and with the drive-to-own clause removed from their contracts, they basically end up with nothing once the contracts are over.
What’s more is that some drivers say if they cannot make the full rental fee payment every week, their cars are immediately disconnected from the Uber app.
Meanwhile Uber South Africa says they have heeded the concerns of the drivers and are trying to find solutions.
Speaking to News24, Head of Communications for Uber South Africa said, “We are aware of the concerns raised by a small group of drivers on the Uber platform that lease vehicles from Moove, a vehicle-solutions company.
We are engaging with Moove to assess the issues and to encourage them to find workable solution with drivers. As Uber, we recognise drivers as independent contractors and are available to listen to their concerns and provide support to help their businesses succeed.”
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