Uber enlists anti-union podcasts, texts and drivers for Seattle fight

[Sherman A1]

Uber is pushing anti-union podcasts to Seattle drivers as the ride-hailing app fends off a bid from labor organizers, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Text messages, phone surveys, meeting invites and unusually high pay rates are among the latest tactics by Uber to convince drivers that they're better off without organized labor representation, according to the newspaper.

One driver said Uber offered a $35 hourly rate (about double the usual pay) to keep him on the road at the time that a union organizing meeting was scheduled in the city.

San Francisco-based Uber has sued to block a Seattle law that gives collective bargaining rights to drivers for Uber, Lyft and other ride-hailing companies. The fight ahead of a union vote could serve as a model for organizers and businesses that use independent contractors nationwide.

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2017/03/13/uber-seattle-anti-union-podcasts-texts-and-drivers.html

[TexasTowelie]

1. Uber certainly believes that they should not be subject to any regulation whatsoever.

They are against wage laws, union organization, minimum liability insurance laws and want favored status over taxi companies that abide to 20th century regulation. They are willing to charge someone $100 for a ride of a couple miles during peak hours on weekend nights. While I admit that they serve some good keeping drunk drivers off of the road and do fill a niche, the way that they treat their workers leaves a lot to be desired.