Uber drivers form convoy in city centre protest

Uber drivers gathered outside the firm's Birmingham office to call for fair treatment

Parts of Birmingham city centre were brought to a standstill during a protest by Uber drivers over pay.

About 100 members of the Uber Drivers' Union UK gathered outside the company’s offices in Aston on Monday morning before a convoy was formed at the city centre's New Street Station.

Demonstrators have said their pay has fallen and they feel Uber has treated them unfairly.

In response to the claims, the firm said all drivers were guaranteed the National Living Wage, holiday pay and sickness protection.

Minhaj Uddin says the drivers are making a collective stand for 'our rights and dignity'

Protesters gathered at the Uber Birmingham Greenlight Hub from 11:00 until about 13:00 BST then formed a convoy of cars outside Birmingham New Street, with a blue smoke flare let off at the scene as the cars continuously beeped horns.

Minhaj Uddin, a spokesperson for the Uber Drivers' Union UK, said: “We are doing the work, driving our cars, paying the tax, paying the outrageous insurance premiums and we’re only getting 40%.

"They call us partners but they don’t treat us like a partner.”

A convoy of taxis lined the roads outside of New Street Station as part of the protest

The app-based operator has said the Living Wage and holiday pay that drivers receive is based on 12.07% of their earnings paid out weekly in cash.

An Uber Spokesperson added: “We regularly engage with drivers, including through our industry-leading agreement with GMB Union which ensures all drivers have access to full union representation.”

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