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GMB leader Gary Smith met a boss of ride-hailing giant Uber today to pursue a groundbreaking deal on workers’ rights.
The union’s general secretary said he wants to end the exploitation of more than 200,000 drivers in the industry.
His meeting with Jamie Heywood follows a trade union recognition deal struck in May, under which Uber formally recognised GMB as representing up to 70,000 of its drivers across Britain.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court determined that Uber drivers are not self-employed but are in fact workers entitled to rights including holiday pay, a guaranteed minimum wage and breaks.
Mr Smith said: “The groundbreaking deal between GMB and Uber was the first step towards a fairer working life for millions of people.
“It showed that, when companies and trade unions work together, standards can be raised across these industries.
“GMB and Uber today take the next step in our commitment to ending the exploitation of hundreds of thousands of ride-hailing app drivers.”
Mr Heywood said Uber hopes to work constructively with GMB to show others in the industry what can be achieved, ensuring that all drivers receive the rights and protections they are entitled to.
