GMB Union raises FIFTEEN KEY DRIVER CONCERNS ahead of Uber meeting this month
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
GMB Union has outlined a series of concerns to be discussed with Uber later this month, reflecting growing discontent among drivers over safety, pay, and platform features. The issues, shared via the union’s internal driver noticeboard, were collated following direct feedback from GMB members across the country.
Among the top concerns is the ongoing decline in driver earnings. According to GMB, drivers are now making less than they were three years ago despite working under similar conditions. The union intends to challenge Uber’s position on the findings of the Oxford report, which it says fails to reflect the reality on the ground for drivers.
Pay transparency and fair allocation of work also feature prominently. Drivers have requested a separation between Uber X and Uber Share, arguing that the latter reduces earnings and often leads to inefficient routing. Similarly, those participating in Uber Boost have reported long waiting times with few trips, resulting in lower earnings than expected.
There are also concerns over job card visibility, particularly when new job cards override navigation and safety-critical information during a trip. The union will press for a redesign that allows drivers to manage trips without compromising road safety.
Several safety and privacy issues are being brought to the table. Drivers are calling for better protections around profile photos, citing the ability of riders to screenshot them without restriction. GMB is also asking Uber to address the current system that displays drivers’ middle names to riders, with calls to allow the removal or adjustment of personal information for privacy reasons.
The union has flagged the timing of trip clocks, noting that wait times often fail to start when drivers are near pick-up locations, particularly during events where direct access is restricted. For multi-stop jobs, drivers say the clock does not begin on arrival at the first stop, meaning time spent waiting is not paid.
At airports, issues around trip radar systems, queuing fairness, rematch protocols, and the reliability of car park facilities are all up for discussion. Birmingham Airport has been highlighted as a key area of concern, with some drivers alleging fake trips and unfair allocation of work.
In Scotland, accessibility and support infrastructure are under scrutiny. GMB says there are not enough disability-accessible vehicles operating on the platform, and the Uber Green Light Hubs have faced complaints over availability and staffing levels.
Data retention policies are also on the agenda, particularly relating to how long data is held in cases of false allegations. Drivers want more clarity on what information is retained and for how long, as well as assurances that drivers are treated fairly in the case of disputes.
Lastly, GMB is urging Uber to review its sick pay policy, arguing that current eligibility requirements are too restrictive. The union is also calling for more support for drivers whose vehicles are damaged and who are blocked from the app while repairs are made. GMB argues that even a small gesture from Uber could help drivers during this time.
Following the meeting later in September, GMB has committed to providing members with a full update on outcomes and any further steps to be taken.
