Uber drivers in the European Union and United Kingdom have filed a collective action against the company in Amsterdam, alleging data protection violations and that the dynamic remuneration system reduces their earnings. The action was filed by the Worker Info Exchange (WIE) International organization and represents the interests of several thousand drivers in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Poland, and Romania. It is the first collective action of this type, according to the European Confederation of Trade Unions.
WIE International claims that since 2020, Uber began introducing changes to its systems to make driver remuneration dynamic, infringing the General Data Protection Regulation by making decisions without human intervention through automated processes. The organization also claims that Uber unlawfully processes drivers' personal data for machine learning purposes.
Economic experts from consultancy Oxera estimate that 48% of drivers in the Netherlands saw their hourly wage decrease, on average, by 7,508 euros per year. In the United Kingdom, 66.7% of drivers suffered an average reduction in earnings of 5,337 pounds per year. An Uber spokesperson "categorically" rejected the allegations, ensuring that drivers are free to accept or refuse trips.
The Dutch data protection authority imposed a fine of 824.99 million euros on Uber in August for having deactivated driver accounts automatically without properly informing them. On Wednesday, the company also announced it will reduce its workforce by 10% worldwide, which will involve the departure of approximately 3,300 professionals.
