Southampton Uber drivers strike over pay cuts in cost of living crisis

Around 60 drivers from across the city gathered in Richmond Street this week describing working conditions as "modern-day slavery". 

They were protesting following a new pricing structure introduced by Uber last month, which they say is making it "hard to get by". 

One driver who spoke to the Daily Echo said that "every driver is unhappy with the prices". 

During a protest on Monday, he added: "We are, in essence, being ripped off by Uber.

"Drivers are struggling, it's like modern-day slavery."

READ MORE: Rat infestation found at Southampton Subway restaurant

Drivers told the Echo that the price the customer pays is not the money that the drivers receive.

Uber driver protesters on Richmond Street in Southampton. (Image: Daily Echo, Emily Liddell)

The drivers take a percentage of this payment, with the rest going to Uber.

They claim that Uber is now taking "up to 60 per cent" of this payment in commission, rather than the set rate of 25 per cent. 

Jay Chowdhury said: "This is really affecting drivers. 

"In some cases, Uber is deducting around 45 per cent commission from certain jobs.

"This new pricing that they have introduced is affecting drivers in a big way. 

"We would've liked a pay increase due to the increase in fuel prices, insurance, and maintenance cost, however, they've not gone down that route and they've introduced this new structure."

He added: "Drivers are angry at the pricing, but they have to feed their families as well. 

"We all have to make do with what we get.

"It is a big organisation that we are fighting against but eventually our voices will be heard."

READ MORE: Southampton school where students 'don't feel safe' due to bullying told to improve

However, Uber has said changes were made to "attract new drivers to meet the growing demand" as well as "support existing drivers with the cost of living".

In August 2022, the company increased fares across the UK, varying by city.

A spokesperson for the firm said it is "extremely rare" for any trip to work out at less than £1 a mile.

An Uber spokesperson said: "Uber’s pricing can vary by trip in order to improve reliability at certain times.

"Drivers are always shown how much they’ll be paid before accepting a trip and they receive 100 per cent of this amount.

"There have been a number of important changes to the way drivers earn on Uber since 2021 - Uber is the only platform to provide holiday pay and access to a pension plan to help boost their earnings, which have grown significantly due to recent fare increases and growing rider demand.”

Drivers are planning on striking again next week but a date is yet to be set. 

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook