Private hire drivers’ union pens open letter to Sadiq Khan calling for Uber action before it's t

The United Private Hire Drivers union have penned an open letter to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, calling for him to intervene and take action against ride-sharing app Uber, who they say are violating tax and employment laws. 

The UPHD say they aim to represent all UK private hire drivers. They say the UK's private hire drivers are honest and hard working people who are often badly treated by employers and the regulator. 

"With a strong collective voice we will be heard, we will demand change and will make a better future for all private hire drivers,” the union says.  

With Uber's latest London probationary period coming to an end, the union has called on the Mayor to take action just as the Mayor of New York has recently. 

The letter reads: 

Transport for London rejected the Silicon Valley company’s licence renewal request in 2017 due to failings it said it found in its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and driver background checks, prompting legal action. A judge in 2018 then granted Uber a probationary 15-month license, which expires on Wednesday 25 September. 

All eyes will undoubtedly be on London this week with both those who oppose and support Uber's current business model hoping for a positive result. 

Which way will it swing? 

Image: Source; Wikimedia commons 

Image: Author; FAE