Uber drivers in city strike over pay

A number of drivers in Peterborough began a strike on Friday

More than 50 Uber taxi drivers lined up at a city's train station as part of a strike against the company's pay and working conditions.

Drivers operating across Peterborough gathered outside the train station and some at Maskew Avenue Retail Park.

Mehtab Anwar, 30, a full-time Uber driver and one of the organisers, said drivers would be on strike for 48 hours until Sunday morning.

An Uber spokesperson said it was working with a union to "improve the experience of driving with Uber".

Demonstrations have previously been held elsewhere, including in Newcastle and Bristol.

Junaid Ahmed, 26, a Uber taxi driver who works nights, said the strike was a "necessary step" to try to improve working conditions.

"It is not sustainable," he said. "We can't work this way and have to do something.

"It is so challenging to get in touch with Uber. We are doing this strike to get our message across to them."

'Running on fumes'

Dozens of Uber drivers gathered in Peterborough in protest

Arkash Khan said the Uber drivers in the city felt "undervalued" by the company.

"We are driving 10 hours a day but after paying for fuel and insurance and maintenance, we are earning less than the minimum wage", he said.

"The drivers are running on fumes and we want Uber to put the prices up."

He also criticised Peterborough City Council's licensing team.

"Getting an appointment has been challenging, especially when drivers are looking to renew licences," he said. "But today, we are here to send our voices to Uber. We need change, and soon."

Labour councillor Mohammed Jamil, deputy leader of Peterborough City Council, said: "The council's policies for vehicles and drivers are approved by our Licensing Committee and reflect the standards the authority wants to see in terms of vehicles and drivers operating in the city.

"A lowering of our standards could have negative effects, such as increasing driver and vehicle numbers, leading to capacity outstripping demand."

An Uber spokesperson said: "All drivers on Uber are guaranteed at least the National Living Wage, holiday pay and a pension plan, as well as free sickness protection and access to free Open University courses.

"This means drivers earn with greater security, helping them to plan for their futures while maintaining the flexibility that is a key part of why they choose to drive with Uber.

"We continue to partner with the GMB union to improve the experience of driving with Uber."