Uber drivers across the UK and US set to strike over low pay on the eve of firm's IPO

Uber drivers across the UK and US are to go on strike on the eve of the company's stock market flotation.

Drivers in UK cities including in London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Glasgow, are holding protests, along with US cities New York and Los Angeles.

Drivers will commit to a nine-hour boycott of the controversial ride-sharing app. The United Private Hire Drivers branch of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain said the flotation was happening at the same time as drivers' pay issues remain unresolved. Spokesman James Farra said: "Uber's flotation is shaping up to be an unprecedented international orgy of greed as investors cash in on one of the most abusive business models ever to emerge from Silicon Valley. "It is the drivers who have created this extraordinary wealth but they continue to be denied even the most basic workplace rights." Uber, who have been preparing for months for their entry into the public stock market and is reportedly aiming to raise $9bn (almost £7bn) in its initial public offering on Thursday. As reported by Sky News, an Uber spokeswoman said: "Drivers are at the heart of our service - we can't succeed without them - and thousands of people come into work at Uber every day focused on how to make their experience better, on and off the road. "Whether it's being able to track your earnings or stronger insurance protections, we'll continue working to improve the experience for and with drivers."

Image: Source; Flickr

Image: Author; Nucleo Editorial