A Cuban Uber Eats driver broadcast his resignation live on TikTok, citing the company's low pay and unfavorable working conditions. The driver expressed frustration after spending half an hour on the road only to earn $10. He was particularly irritated that the delivery destination was a wealthy neighborhood.
"Uber, take a picture, look. Take a picture, the last one... that I'm going to take of you. $10.25 and we've been sitting in the car for over thirty minutes," the Cuban driver angrily stated in a video that went viral.
"Oh, and here's the other thing, look, all the orders are for wealthy neighborhoods! We are immigrants, and you come to exploit all of us," he added, visibly upset.
"How can you say you can't increase driver pay because it hurts the customer when it's us who are out here, even in the middle of the night?" emphasized the driver, who also noted that if he was delayed in traffic, some customers chose to cancel the order and withdraw the payment. "You guys are crazy!" he concluded, visibly furious, while holding a bag containing the order.
His actions sparked debate on the program "La Mesa Nostra" on America Tevé, where his behavior was widely criticized. One panelist argued that Uber Eats drivers often get free meals from canceled orders and called the Cuban driver's reaction "ridiculous," noting that drivers sometimes receive good tips for short deliveries, balancing out tough moments like this.
However, on TikTok, the live resignation resonated with many other drivers who share similar grievances about the platform's rates and commissions. In the comments, numerous drivers from around the world expressed support and shared similar experiences, highlighting a global issue.
Uber has faced constant criticism in recent years for the same reasons mentioned by the Cuban driver. The company, however, has defended its business model, arguing that it offers flexibility and additional income opportunities to its drivers. Critics, on the other hand, point out that such flexibility comes at the cost of economic stability and adequate work benefits.
In February, drivers for Uber, Lyft, and Doordash protested at the Miami airport and other U.S. cities against low pay. Justice for App Workers, a national coalition of rideshare and food delivery platform drivers with over 100,000 members, organized the action, which required drivers to turn off their apps from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Valentine’s Day as a form of protest.
Common Questions About Uber Eats Driver Resignations
Given the rising discontent among Uber Eats drivers, many questions have emerged regarding their working conditions and the company's policies. Here we address some of the most common queries.
Why are Uber Eats drivers protesting?
Uber Eats drivers are protesting due to low pay and unfavorable working conditions, including long wait times and the expectation to deliver to affluent neighborhoods without adequate compensation.
What actions have drivers taken to protest low pay?
Drivers have organized protests and strikes, such as turning off their apps for certain periods, to draw attention to their demands for better pay and working conditions.
How has Uber responded to these protests?
Uber has defended its business model, stating that it offers flexibility and additional income opportunities for drivers, despite the criticisms about economic instability and lack of benefits.