Bengaluru Uber Drivers Rally Against Alleged Work Bias
Hundreds of Uber drivers in Bengaluru staged a fiery protest outside the company’s India headquarters in Koramangala on Tuesday, accusing the ride-hailing giant of systemic bias and unfair treatment. Long-term drivers claim Uber’s algorithms prioritize new drivers, slashing their earnings and leaving them financially strained.
Key Grievances Behind the Protest
The drivers, wielding placards like “Stop Driver Discrimination” and “Fair Pay for All,” highlighted three major issues:
- Unfair Ride Allocation: Veterans allege Uber’s system favors newcomers for high-demand trips.
- Eroding Incentives: Bonuses and surge pricing have dwindled, cutting into daily wages.
- Abrupt Penalties: Sudden account deactivations without clear reasoning.
“I’ve driven for Uber for 5 years, but now I wait hours for rides while new drivers get priority,” said Ramesh Kumar, a protesting driver.
Uber’s Stance: Denial and Dialogue
Uber India responded, stating its tech ensures “fair and efficient ride distribution.” The company pledged to engage with drivers but avoided addressing specific algorithm concerns. Drivers remain unconvinced, citing oversaturation due to aggressive onboarding.
Industry-Wide Gig Worker Struggles
This protest mirrors wider unrest among Indian gig workers:
– 2023 Strikes: Uber/Ola drivers in Mumbai and Delhi protested low fares.
– Labor Rights Concerns: Activists demand transparency and regulatory oversight for fair wages.
“Platforms exploit contractor labels to avoid accountability,” said labor advocate Priya Menon.
Drivers’ Demands and Next Steps
The protesters submitted a 4-point charter:
1. Transparent ride-matching criteria.
2. Restructured bonuses and surge rewards.
3. Clear deactivation policies with appeal options.
4. Stronger driver support systems.
While Uber agreed to talks, drivers threaten escalated strikes if demands are unmet.
Why This Matters
Bengaluru’s protest underscores the fragility of gig work. With drivers risking income loss and Uber defending its model, the stalemate raises questions about sustainability in India’s platform economy.
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