A protest convoy involving drivers from Uber and other taxi hailing services was beginning today, with the potential to paralyse Birmingham city centre. Uber, Bolt and Veezu workers were due to stop working at 11am as part of a long-running dispute over pay and working conditions.
The drivers were meeting at the Uber Greenlight Hub in Aston where speeches were due to be given before they formed a convoy to travel to central Birmingham, finishing at Holloway Circus in the city centre.
A similar demonstration in May saw up to 1,00 drivers take part and gridlocked to routes around New Street Station. Today’s protest was expected to have an even bigger impact with the action joined by drivers from Coventry and those covering Birmingham Airport.
READ MORE: Huge Uber, Bolt and Veezu driver convoy threatens to bring city centre to standstill
We will be covering this story as it unfolds.
12:35Key Event
The convoy is on its way
The convoy has departed for the city centre. Stay with us for updates as it moves.
12:21Key Event
The convoy is preparing to leave
The speeches are wrapping up and the drivers will be setting off on a convoy. It will start from the Uber Greenlight Hub at Aston Cross Business Park on Rocky Lane and travel to TK Maxx, the Bolt Hub on Gas Street and then the Radisson Blu Hotel at Holloway Circus.
The convoy is expected to take an hour or so.
12:20Key Event
What has Bolt said ?
Bolt has said it allowed drivers to set their own journey fees. It said it was the only private hire vehicle platform that enabled drivers to take full advantage of dynamic pricing, where fares are based on market conditions, and custom driver pricing, where drivers can decide to set their own minimum and maximum expected journey fees.
Earlier this year, Bolt rolled out an “industry-first” flexible pension scheme for private hire vehicle drivers. A Bolt spokesperson said:
We value the important role drivers play in enabling people to get around the city. Driver feedback is important to us and we remain committed to engaging with drivers through surveys, community events, and in-person forums. We constantly review our prices to ensure they balance the earning needs of drivers with affordability for passengers.”
12:18James Cartledge
Would-be MP says private hire drivers have been ‘forgotten about’
Ladywood parliamentary candidate Akhmed Yakoob is giving a speech. He said:
Private hire drivers are a huge part of our economy. It seems they’ve been l totally forgotten but we must get united on this issue because if we don’t get united, the politicians don’t care about us.”
Shakeel Afsar, candidate for Hall Green, has also given a few words to the crowd.
12:01Key Event
‘I got £6.67 from a £17 fare’
One Uber driver, who would not be named, said:
A passenger was charged £17 for a fare, Uber deducted £11 from the fare. I got £6.67.”
Kate Gorton, from the GMB, pictured below, said after giving a speech:
The GMB is the recognised trade union for Uber drivers. There’s a problem with the way the drivers’ accounts are deactivated and we would like to see a fair process. Drivers’ earning opportunities have gone down drastically.”
Kate Gorton from the GMB gives a speech.
Speeches are in full flow. Barrister Ayoub Khan has taken the stand and is speaking to those assembled. He is asking Uber to get round the table and speak to their drivers. He urged them to treat drivers with respect.
11:42Key Event
‘We need a fair complaints procedure’
The meeting outside Uber’s office in Aston is underway with a pretty good turnout of more than 100. Others are arriving and joining in. Iftekhar Hussain, pictured below, has just given a speech. He said afterwards:
I work as a rep. When Uber receives a complaint from a passenger, they need to engage with the driver. They need to hear the driver’s side. They need to investigate the passenger and see how many complaints they’ve made. They get their fare refunded. We need a fair complaints procedure. “
11:33James Cartledge
Drivers gathered at the convoy start point
This was the scene in Aston a few moments ago with the start of the convoy seemingly-delayed.
Drivers at the convoy rendezvous location this morning, July 1.
11:31Key Event
Drivers having conditions ‘imposed’ on them by app operators – election candidate
I’ve just spoken to barrister Ayoub Khan who is standing as a candidate in Perry Barr. He said:
The private hire trade is one of the key trades in Birmingham and one of the hardest working. They are working unsociable hours, often dealing with all kinds of customers and putting their lives on the line.
We’ve had incidents where they’ve been attacked and murdered. They are often picking up the most vulnerable and elderly, carrying people’s shopping.
Uber, Bolt and these operators have carte Blanche on the private hire trade. They can promote the apps. They (the drivers) are having terms and conditions imposed. The drivers have no equality of power.
11:13Key Event
What have Uber and Bolt said?
Uber has been contacted for comment but did say following the May 30 protest:
We regularly engage with drivers, including through our industry-leading agreement with GMB union which ensures all drivers have access to full union representation.”
10:56James Cartledge
Drivers’ representative demands ‘dignity and fairness’
From our reporter in Aston: The side roads around Rocky Lane in Aston are filling up with private hire drivers who will be attending the protest at Aston Cross Business Park at 11am. Minhaj Uddin, official spokesperson for PHDA, said:
The exploitation of private hire drivers through aggressive pricing strategies, unfair profit distribution, and inadequate working conditions must end.
Our demands for fair profit sharing, an end to exploitative pricing practices, transparent termination processes, and improved working conditions are crucial for ensuring dignity and fairness for all drivers within the industry.”
10:51James Cartledge
Call to stop recruiting new drivers
Their fifth and final demand is Stop Recruiting New Drivers. ” Halt the excessive recruitment of new drivers that saturates the market, driving down earnings for existing drivers. Focus on improving the conditions and earnings of current drivers instead of continuously expanding the driver pool.”
Uber Drivers Protest In Birmingham.
10:48James Cartledge
More of the drivers’ demands
The third is Stop Dynamic Pricing. “End the practice of dynamic pricing, which often exploits drivers during peak demand periods without providing them with fair compensation. Establish a transparent pricing model that benefits both drivers and customers.”
The fourth demand is End Unfair Terminations. “Implement fair and transparent processes for driver terminations. Drivers should not be unfairly terminated without proper review and an opportunity to present their case.”
Uber Drivers Protest In Birmingham.
10:44Key Event
Why are the drivers protesting?
What is today’s big planned demonstration about ?
The Private Hire Drivers’ Alliance has sent a list of demands to Uber and Bolt. Its demands focus around five issues:
The first is the Fair Distribution of Profits. “Ensure drivers receive a fair share of the profits generated from their work. The current profit distribution model is heavily skewed in favour of the company, leaving drivers with insufficient earnings.”
The second is Stop Fixed Pricing. “Cease the implementation of fixed pricing strategies that undermine the earnings of drivers. Allow flexible pricing models that reflect the true value of the service provided by the models.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
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