‘Uber makes billions but drivers get peanuts’

Some Uber taxi drivers claim they are earning half of what they did a year ago as their costs have increased and the company’s commission charges have risen.

Drivers protested outside Bristol’s Ashton Gate stadium on Friday as Uber executives met with GMB union members.

It follows previous demonstrations held by taxi drivers across the country, including in Bristol, against Uber’s commission rates.

A spokesperson from Uber said it charges drivers higher commission rates than it did before, but said they are only “slightly higher”.

Karolina, who didn’t want to give her full name, is an Uber driver in the city and said she is struggling to earn a living.

“You get £1.20 per mile if you’re lucky,” she said.

“I’m driving every day 12 to 15 hours, but their commission is too high.”

A representative from Uber said 30 drivers attended the meeting on Friday with company executives.

In January, a short experiment was conducted by the BBC which demonstrated commission rates of about 47%.

Uber driver Florin Stalos works in Bristol and said he is making significantly less now compared to a year ago.

“Our expenses are going up, but the earnings are going down every month.

“I used to make around £800 every week, before expenses. Now, I make £350-£400 a week.

“Uber is making billions in profits, but drivers get peanuts,” he added.