Uber drivers protest 'unsafe working conditions'

Uber drivers gathered in Parktown North‚ Johannesburg‚ on Friday morning to protest what they call unsafe working conditions.

Under the umbrella of The Movement‚ Uber drivers went on a go-slow and blocked the intersection of Seventh and Third avenues.

SAPS officers negotiated the reopening of the intersection.

"Ask any one of the drivers or partners here. They don't have a voice‚" The Movement spokesperson Teresa Munchick told TimesLIVE.

"Uber globally does not recognise unions or guilds‚ but insists on dealing with people individually. You are called up to speak to a panel of people who just stonewall you‚" Munchick said.

Among the issues raised was driver safety.

Kyle Cowan

Uber drivers gathered in Parkhurst as police look on. Photo: Kyle Cowan

Munchick said two drivers had their cars stoned and were assaulted by meter taxi drivers in Parktown this morning.

"We are soft targets‚" said another Movement spokesperson‚ Zweli Ngwenya‚ who lamented the cash service Uber now allows.

According to Munchick cash passengers are not vetted.

"They don't even have to hijack people in their driveways anymore. They can just call an Uber‚" she said.

When The Movement convoy of drivers and partners arrived at Uber's Parkhurst offices this morning‚ it was locked‚ with armed guards posted at the door.

Kyle Cowan 

Uber drivers under the umbrella of The Movement protested what they call unsafe working conditions. Photo: Kyle Cowan

"They are cowards‚" said one driver‚ who identified himself as Sydney Nkosi‚ referring to management not being present.

At around 11am‚ the drivers agreed to disperse‚ with some expressing a desire to drive in convoy through Sandton.

Johannesburg Metro Police had several vehicles on the scene and were monitoring the situation closely.