Uber drivers in Glasgow have staged a protest outside the company's 'green light hub' in Washington Street, demanding fair pay and more protection while warning that a new system being put in place will put lives at risk.
The drivers, represented by GMB Scotland, claim that their earnings have plummeted in the past year, despite prices rising for customers, with only one in five earning more now than they did a year ago.
Ewa Zezula-wozniczka, a GMB union representative, said drivers were struggling to earn enough to cover their expenses, including insurance and petrol.
"Everything went up and our income shrank," she told BBC Scotland News.
The protest comes amid concerns over Uber's new 'Trip Radar' system, which offers fares to multiple drivers simultaneously.
Drivers fear that the system will be a distraction, putting their safety and the safety of passengers at risk.
Amir Humza, 27, has been working for Uber in Glasgow for a over a year, raised concerns with the new dashboard system: "Normally if they offer you a job, you've got a couple of seconds to accept it and so you're losing concentration on the road as you're driving," he said.
"Other drivers are desperate to make money so you have to act quick to get it and it could be dangerous."
GMB Scotland organiser Paul McLaughlin said: "The company's absolute priority must be the safety of our members and every other road user."
He also called for greater transparency in Uber's fare calculation methods. Uber uses surge-pricing to increase fare prices when demand is higher but Mr McLaughlin says Uber must be clearer and ensure the increased revenue is shared with drivers.
He added: “Our members are committed and skilled drivers working to ensure a first-class service for Uber users.
"The very least they deserve is to be given full and clear information about how fares and earnings are calculated.
“The company must understand the need for that clarity and urgently deliver it.”
Uber has been the subject of controversy in Glasgow, with drivers previously protesting over long working hours, unfair dismissals, and pay.
The company has defended its practices, stating that it regularly engages with drivers and has a national agreement with GMB Union.
The Glasgow action mirrors similar protests and pickets across the UK in 2024. Drivers in Bristol are targeting the company's local office every Wednesday, while in April a convoy of drivers brought Birmingham to a standstill.
Frank Manuel, 32, of Cheshunt, was found guilty of three counts of rape, two of non-fatal strangulation, and one of sexual assault.
Tap A Taxi, which launched in the city last year, has announced that its drivers will be delivering essential supplies directly to the foodbank.
Taxi drivers in the Royal Borough have secured a significant victory, gaining the freedom to choose the coloUr of their vehicles.
A taxi driver from Benwell appeared in court this week facing allegations of sexual assault and false imprisonment.
Transport for London (TfL) is cracking down on drivers who persistently evade penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued for Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) contraventions.
A taxi driver has been hailed a hero after saving a woman from her estranged husband, who had been lying in wait for her with a hammer.
Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, has visited an exhibition showcasing the devastating impact of guide dog owners being illegally turned away from businesses and services.
Cornwall Council is reviewing a number of home-to-school taxi routes and contracts as it grapples with increasing demand and rising costs for school transport services
A taxi driver has been banned from the roads for a year after pulling out without indicating and colliding with a cyclist, causing serious injuries.
Matthew Knowles, 45, from Foxwood, was convicted by a jury in August of two counts of meeting a girl for sexual purposes.
Two private hire drivers from Darlington have been fined after being caught illegally plying for hire in the town centre.
DfI Minister John O’Dowd has announced a pilot scheme to allow taxis in certain classes to use designated bus lanes in Belfast during road works associated with the Grand Central Station project.
A woman has been sentenced to six months in prison for assaulting a taxi driver and causing £500 worth of damage to his cab.
On Tuesday 9 October, City of York Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee met to discuss its draft new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire policy.
Black cab drivers in London are facing a significant issue due to a cyberattack on Transport for London (TfL).
The bus gate was installed six months ago on Corporation Street in Preston by Lancashire County Council (LCC) in a bid to reduce traffic at peak times and allow buses right of way.
John Igoe, director of Mi Taxis Nuneaton has offered £1,000 to catch intruder who assaulted his operator at 8am on the morning of Saturday 12 October.
Driver has been reported to Cheshire West and Chester Council enforcement team who will hopefully take swift action
This is a fantastic initiative, a life changer for these ladies to be able earn an income to feed their families.
Danish Ali, who works for Ride Taxis, reported three separate attacks in recent weeks, involving young people throwing stones at his vehicle.