- The Rideshare Guy
- Posts
- 📰 Uber’s Growing “Deactivation Crisis”
📰 Uber’s Growing “Deactivation Crisis”
Attention Urban EV Drivers!
Drive in LA? We want your input on where to locate new public curbside chargers (ideally on your block). Complete this quick survey and receive a $10 gift card*.
Drive in Detroit, Boston, Yonkers, Jersey City, D.C., or SF? We’d love to bring more chargers to your neighborhood. Sign up for our Waitlist here.
*This effort is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative using Cap-and-Trade funds to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health—especially in disadvantaged communities.
A new series of reports details Uber’s growing “deactivation crisis.” Uber will offer free childcare in the UK to lure more women to drive. Oregon considers passing a landmark rideshare bill. Rideshare drivers rally against wage theft in California. We break it all down for you.
New Report Details Uber’s Growing “Deactivation Crisis”
Image source: Aleksandr Sochnev/Pexels
SOURCE – Futurism article 1, article 2
Futurism wrote two articles about a growing “deactivation crisis” happening on Uber, where drivers are suddenly locked out of the app without warning or clear explanation, often due to customer complaints or algorithmic decisions. The articles detail how the process can devastate drivers’ livelihoods and leave them struggling to appeal or understand the reasons behind their deactivation.
Drivers report difficulty in contacting Uber support, facing automated systems and unresponsive channels when trying to dispute deactivations.
The issue disproportionately affects minority and immigrant drivers, with some resorting to extreme measures like flying to Uber headquarters for answers.
Some cities are implementing ordinances to protect gig workers from unfair deactivations, but Uber continues to resist increased regulation and transparency.
To Lure More Women to Drive, Uber Offers Free Childcare in the UK
Image source: Uber Pressroom
SOURCE – BBC
In the UK, Uber launched a free childcare initiative to attract more women to drive. The company will offer 20 hours of free childcare to all UK drivers through 2025 via the Bubble childcare app. The company aims to increase the number of women drivers on its platform and reports positive feedback from a pilot program.
The offer is available to all 100K+ Uber drivers in the UK and comes amid driver strikes over pay and working conditions.
Some drivers appreciate the offer, while others emphasize the need for higher earnings. Childcare can be used anytime, not just during work hours.
The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain criticizes the move as a “PR stunt,” arguing for better pay instead
Oregon Considers Landmark Bill to Enhance Rideshare Driver Protections
Image source: Show Me The Money Club
SOURCE – KOIN 6 – CBS Portland
Oregon lawmakers are debating Senate Bill 1166, which aims to improve working conditions for Uber and Lyft drivers statewide. The bill proposes significant changes to the rideshare industry, including minimum compensation rates, just cause protections against termination, and the establishment of a driver resource center.
The bill would set per-mile and per-minute minimum compensation for drivers, although it is unclear what those rates are. If passed, the protections would take effect in the summer of 2025.
Drivers Union Oregon and some drivers support the bill, citing concerns about job security and declining wages
Uber and Lyft representatives oppose the bill, arguing it could reduce demand and impact driver earnings. A potential workgroup involving rideshare companies and legislators may be formed to find a compromise solution.
Image source: @abc7sid on X
SOURCE – ABC 7 Los Angeles
Rideshare drivers held rallies in major California cities, demanding justice in an alleged wage theft scandal. This comes as the state’s lawsuit against Uber and Lyft, filed in 2020, moves forward after legal delays. The Labor Commissioner’s lawsuit covers drivers who worked from 2016 to December 15, 2020. Claims include misclassification as independent contractors and denial of benefits
Drivers allege they were misclassified as independent contractors, leading to lost wages and benefits.
The dispute covers drivers who worked for Uber or Lyft between 2016 and 2020. The case seeks compensation for all affected drivers, not just those who filed individual claims.
The World Is Turning Against Elon Musk… And Tesla Rideshare Drivers Are Paying The Price
SOURCE – YouTube Shorts
A new trend on social media shows users canceling rides or giving low ratings to rideshare drivers operating Tesla vehicles. This behavior appears to be a response to recent controversial actions by Tesla CEO Elon Musk related to federal government cuts. Watch the YouTube Short to find out more!
QUICK HITS
In a recent edition of The Driverless Digest newsletter, RSG founder Harry Campbell wrote about Waymo expanding its service offerings to teenage passengers. If you want to learn more about the world of autonomy, be sure to subscribe! – The Driverless Digest
Uber is expanding its airport shuttle service in New York City and is now providing rides to JFK Airport for $10 (it will be $25 after April 30). – The Verge
Congratulations to former Uber driver J.C. Escarra for landing on the New York Yankees’ opening day roster! – NY Post
Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content
Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:
RSG263: Justin Pappan on Renting a Fleet of Teslas! (EV Access)
Make sure you Subscribe so you don’t miss out on future conversations and interviews!
Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe now for free so you never miss an update…
Never miss a Rideshare Guy update…