One-day strike for Uber drivers

At least 100 Uber drivers were set to strike on Monday over a series of complaints, including car insurance confusion.

Protest organiser Sher Abid told the NZ Herald many of the company’s policies like car insurance remain ambiguous.

The company has stated drivers don’t need commercial insurance and it would help when personal insurance accident claims were refused.

However, Abid says he has never seen Uber confirm this in writing.

Some drivers took out commercial insurance as extra protection.

Other complaints include low earnings, with Uber taking 25%-28% of fares and difficulty contacting the organisation.

Drivers have set up the Rideshare Drivers Network website to air their concerns.

“We formed the group to bring the issues we as drivers face on a day-to-day basis to the media and the public.”

Uber spokeswoman Nicky Preston told the Herald it is trying to improve contact with drivers, including running more events to connect with drivers.

A recent survey of drivers found 78% were satisfied with the job, Preston says.