Toronto, Ontario — Uber Technologies is looking to restructure its labour model as the international ride-share company calls on provincial governments to help provide benefits to gig-economy drivers.
Since the company’s founding in 2009, Uber’s platform has undoubtedly shaken up the landscape of transit, vehicle ownership and traditional forms of full-time employment, and now Uber is looking for a solution to what they consider an “outdated” system.
“Our view is our current employment system is outdated, unfair and somewhat inflexible and some workers get benefits and protections and others don’t,” said Andrew MacDonald, Uber’s senior v-p of global rides and platform told The Canadian Press.
“We feel that COVID has exposed some of those fundamental flaws and think this is a good opportunity for change.”
Uber’s potential solution; Flexible Work+. This model asks that provinces mandate benefit funds for app-based gig employers to provide perks and safety training to employees, while still maintaining the freedom to determine their own working hours.
As well, the company has faced numerous complaints in the past from drivers who were concerned about the transparency of their earnings.
A recent survey conducted by Uber revealed that 85 percent of drivers could not continue driving or delivering if flexible work wasn’t offered.
Uber’s proposal is currently under consideration at the provincial level in Canada.
