GMB London call on transport for London to insist that Uber limit drivers hours for public safety
Limits on long hours were brought in as excessive hours were identified as the direct cause of the Clapham Junction rail disaster where 35 people died and 500 people were injured on 12 December 1988 says GMB London.
GMB, the union for professional drivers, is calling on Transport for London to ensure that Uber limit the number of hours worked by its drivers in the interests of the safety of the travelling public as a condition of its cab licence.
A petition is being handed in today, Monday 18 September 2017, at 9am at The Scoop, City Hall, SE1 2AA.
Mick Lancaster, GMB London Regional Officer, said
“Many drivers are working long hours for less than the UK national minimum wage in order to try and make ends meet. Drivers working excessive hours is bad for drivers, bad for passengers and bad for other road users. Transport for London has a right and responsibility to put the brakes on Uber's recklessness and could send an important signal to other "gig economy" corporations and city authorities around the world.
"Transport for London should insist that Uber recognise that the Working Time Directive and limits on long hours is not “red tape” but essential for the safety of the travelling public.
“Limits on long hours were brought in as excessive hours were identified as the direct cause of the Clapham Junction rail disaster where 35 people died and 500 people were injured on 12 December 1988.The collision was caused by a signal failure due to a wiring fault. An Independent inquiry, chaired by Sir Anthony Hidden QC, found that the signalling technician responsible had worked a seven-day week for the previous thirteen weeks.
“Transport for London must get commitments from Uber that it will ensure that there is a limit to drivers hours. It has to pay them enough to earn a living without excessive hours.”
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Contact: Mick Lancaster on 07974 249754
