Uber called its recent union deal ‘historic.’ A new complaint alleges it was actually against the law.
The ride-hailing giant said the union agreement, reached with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and other trade unions, was a victory but not a mandate that it be the way it is now.
The company said it now plans to “redouble its efforts to build on the success it has achieved” with the new contract.
The new agreement, which applies to Uber ride-hailing services operated in the U.S., provides for an average wage of $70,000, $250 monthly and a $200 signing bonus. Uber also said it will eliminate mandatory overtime and health care fees as long as drivers do not have more than 80,000 trips in a year.
Uber did not explain, however, what it means by “redouble its efforts.”
The news follows a recent filing in Texas that accuses Uber of violating a Texas law against “discrimination or unfair business practices,” which includes retaliation and retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
“It’s unprecedented,” said Texas attorney Scott Brown, who filed the complaint and is representing Uber riders in an ongoing legal battle. “I know of no other company that has to go through the labor contract negotiations that Uber is having with their drivers and other unions.”
Uber said the union agreement was reached with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and other trade unions. The firm added that it will continue to negotiate in good faith with unions representing drivers and other employees and that it will “continue to listen closely and explore how we can be better together.”
The company’s statement noted that “the most important thing is for us to continue to create a safe and thriving environment that makes for a great ride.”
“On behalf of the drivers and customers of Uber, we look forward to continuing to work with the SEIU and with SEIU members from across the country,” the statement concludes.
SEIU General Counsel Paul Larkin said the organization would have no comment on the union contract.
The complaint also alleges that Uber drivers are
