Addison Lee drivers protest at Luton airport over low pay

Private hire drivers of London based firm Addison Lee set up protest on Monday February 4, to highlight what they say are bad pay and conditions. 

The protesters, represented by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), say their take home pay falls below minimum wage.

As reported by the Luton Today, a analysis report by the United Private Hire Drivers (UPHD) shows Addison Lee drivers often work over 70 hours per week, earning little more than £1000, but after £270 in vehicle rent and 35% commission by Addison Lee are deducted, along with costs such as fuel, drivers take home around £225 per week in pay.

The IWGB is now calling for Addison Lee to: > Reduce commission to 20% from current levels recently increased to 35% > Withdraw vehicle rental price increase of £20 per week > Pay drivers for time they spend taking Addison Lee vehicles for maintenance and inspections 

Sohail Choudhary, Chair of the Luton UPHD branch, likened the drivers working conditions to a "sweatshop" calling it a "disgrace."  Drivers are also claiming workplace bullying protesting against the “indignity” of their treatment by Addison Lee. The majority Muslim workforce is required to make their daily prayers outside on the tarmac by the pick up rank.

A spokesperson for the IWGB said via their Facebook page: "Drivers for Luton at Addison came out despite winds and rain and protested 35% cut as well as sweatshop conditions for the app based employer, with bullying and unfair dismissals common for those working at the airport rank." 

(Image credit: IWGB Facebook page)