Uber strike 2022 Bristol: When are drivers striking ahead of Christmas and why - are Ubers still running?

Uber drivers across Bristol will log off for 24 hours ahead of Christmas as they go on strike in a dispute over a number of issues including pay. The planned industrial action involves members of the App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU).

It will take place on Wednesday, December 14 from 12.01am to 11.59pm. On top of the planned Uber blackout, drivers will also be working with the trade union to spearhead a public demonstration in the city.

The protest will take place outside the Uber Greenlight Hub offices located in Upper York Street. All ADCU members and any supporters from the general public will plan to join the picket line by the time it starts at 1pm and ends at 2pm on December 14.

Uber drivers have joined an ever growing list of industries and professions that are walking out ahead of Christmas Day. Rail workers, NHS nurses, bus drivers, civil servants, and Royal Mail staff are just some taking a stand during the festive season and beyond.

The ongoing cost of living crisis that is financially crippling individuals and families across the United Kingdom is a common motivation for industrial action. Energy bills continue to soar, as does the average weekly grocery shop with inflation at a 40 year high of 11.1%.

But why are Uber drivers in Bristol planning to go on strike and what are the ADCU’s demands? Here is everything you need to know.

Why are Uber drivers in Bristol going on strike?

The ADCU and its members have agreed to take industrial action against Uber for a number of reasons. Their demands range from improved workers rights, unfair pay and Uber’s political influence in other countries abroad and at home.

In an official statement, the trade union explained: “Uber has failed to comply with the Supreme Court and lower court rulings to pay drivers at least the minimum wage after costs for all working time from log on to log off. They exclude waiting time which leaves drivers short-changed for about 40% of their true working time.

“In addition, last year Uber arbitrarily set the HMRC reimbursement rate of 45p for the purposes of calculating driver costs in determining minimum wage payments.  However, this rate is not appropriate for commercial vehicles and was anyway set in 2011 and certainly does not reflect 36% fuel inflation since last year.”

Bristolian Uber drivers also take issue with unfair pay settlements and claim the company is taking advantage of them to reach voluntary financial settlements. The ADCU has said that its members are not happy with Uber’s alleged political influence and lobbying in the UK and abroad, as well as its relationship with the Labour Party.

The ADCU and Bristol Uber driver’s demands are as follows:

• Full compliance with the courts, fares to be increased to £2.50 per mile and 20p per minute and that Uber commission be capped at 15%
• Uber simply pays all drivers all that they are owed without exception or excuse and bear all legal costs
• Uber end all corrupt political influencing and that elected and local politicians commit to zero influence contact with Uber until the company demonstrates full compliance with employment, transport and taxation laws

Will you still be able to call an Uber in Bristol on strike day?

It is understood that Uber will be running an extremely disrupted service in and around Bristol on strike day. ADCU has advised the public to not use the service at all on December 14. For more information, visit the Uber app on your mobile device or visit the official Uber website.