Australia faces nationwide taxi driver strikes in protest against Uber

[midian182]

Australia has become the latest country to see mass protests from its taxi drivers calling for ride-sharing service Uber to either face the same regulations they do or be banned outright.

Around 400 drivers rallied on the steps of Victoria's state parliament in Melbourne on Thursday demanding the government crack down on Uber, which they say is an illegal, unregulated service. The protest came at the same time as a four hour strike by tram drivers over a perceived pay dispute.

"Enough is enough. We will start striking for 24 hours from next week," Victorian Taxi Families spokesman David Singh said in Melbourne. The strikes are planned in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales, with other states also considering action.

Taxi driver Andy Horn told the crowd the Government should be ashamed of itself over its attitude towards Uber. "Ladies and gentlemen, you are out there slogging your ***** off, 12 hours a day and more, and there's a love affair with this company called Uber — an illegal operation that's called ride sharing [that is] nothing but a taxi service by another name," he said. "You are $200 a day behind when you go to work, competing with these animals."

Australian cabbies want Uber to either pay the same license and registration fees they do or be shut down altogether. Until a resolution regarding Uber is reached, taxi firms have said the widespread strikes will continue across the country. There was another anti-Uber demonstration on Thursday in Sydney outside the New South Wales parliament.

If Twitter comments are anything to go by, it seems the taxi drivers aren’t gaining as much support from the general public as they expected. Many claim Uber provides a better, cheaper service than the majority of Melbourne taxis. The company is further appealing to travellers by offering free rides to anyone who takes their first journey with Uber between September 10th and September 17th.

View of #TaxiStrike from 18th floor of #melbourne Orica building @3AW693 pic.twitter.com/dowOLRMVCo

— katie hodge (@katiehodge) September 10, 2015

A spokesperson for Uber told Mashable Australia "sensible, safety-based ride-sharing regulation" was required. "We understand that new technology is disruptive but we believe there is a way forward that provides new economic opportunities for all drivers, including taxi drivers, and choice for riders who love the convenience of services like Uber," she said in a statement.

This is not the first time taxi drivers from across the world have made their feelings known toward Uber; cabbies in Toronto filed a class action lawsuit against the company for “creating an enormous marketplace for illegal transportation" recently, and anti-Uber protests in Paris several months ago turned violent when cars were set alight and Uber drivers attacked.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/62066-australia-faces-nationwide-taxi-driver-strikes-protest-against.html

 

[anguis]

While they strike, uber drivers will be making good money. Must be tough, having new competition.

 

[davislane1]

Because not offering cabs to people who need them is going to hurt a business that provides cheap rides to travelers. This is like showing up to a battlefield, observing the adversaries have superior arms, and defiantly throwing your weapons to the ground demanding the enemy use your technology or you wont fire back.

 

[yRaz]

Honestly most taxi's are dangerious, they usually have 300k+ miles and are poorly maintained by the taxi service usually leaving it up to the driver to pay for parts and repairs. Uber puts more money in the pocket of the driver and costs less for passenger. Maybe all these taxi drivers should start working for uber?

 

[RustyTech]

So far, people call Uber "competition" right? So if they are competing, that means they are in the same business; if that's the case, why is Uber not subject to the same laws, regulations, and requirements?
That's ok guys, I understand the complexities of critical thinking - it can be difficult for some.

 

[yRaz]

So far, people call Uber "competition" right? So if they are competing, that means they are in the same business; if that's the case, why is Uber not subject to the same laws, regulations, and requirements?
That's ok guys, I understand the complexities of critical thinking - it can be difficult for some.

It's competition because the taxi companies don't follow the laws, regulations or requirements either.

 

[Lionvibez]

The people have spoken Round 1 Uber Taxi's 0!

Carry on!

 

[amstech]

Honestly most taxi's are dangerious, they usually have 300k+ miles and are poorly maintained by the taxi service usually leaving it up to the driver to pay for parts and repairs.

For most larger mainstream companies, taxi cars are some of the best maintained cars on the planet. They receive service every few months and have many new parts to keep things going.

 

[Puiu]

Honestly most taxi's are dangerious, they usually have 300k+ miles and are poorly maintained by the taxi service usually leaving it up to the driver to pay for parts and repairs. Uber puts more money in the pocket of the driver and costs less for passenger. Maybe all these taxi drivers should start working for uber?

that's not the issue here.
when you call an Uber car you basically saying that you will call some unknown douche that could not even have a licence to drive and has a broken car that hasn't been tested by anyone for several years.
there is a reason why taxi's are regulated so heavily. you are basically putting your life in the hand of another. you can't say that taxi's are dangerous when uber is actually even more dangerous.
uber should be regulated just like any other cab. there is no difference between using their app and using a taxi app on your phone. they aren't using any new "technology".

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

They can strike all they want, all they're doing is hurting themselves and giving Uber a lot more business. Uber is a lot cheaper than an ordinary taxi service yet they can still show a healthy profit. Either traditional taxi services have to rethink their strategy or get the hell outta Dodge, it looks like Uber is here to stay.

 

[davislane1]

So far, people call Uber "competition" right? So if they are competing, that means they are in the same business; if that's the case, why is Uber not subject to the same laws, regulations, and requirements?
That's ok guys, I understand the complexities of critical thinking - it can be difficult for some.

Your comment is actually a critical thinking failure. They are entirely different businesses. Taxi companies provide a taxi service. That is, the cab companies own and maintain their vehicle fleets and maintain a driver pool via standard employment contracts. Their service is to get travelers from A to B for a fee. Uber, on the other hand, acts as a middle man connecting vehicle owners with travelers for a fee. They're connecting independent contractors to travelers. That isn't the same thing.

 

[RustyTech]

Your comment is actually a critical thinking failure. They are entirely different businesses. Taxi companies provide a taxi service. That is, the cab companies own and maintain their vehicle fleets and maintain a driver pool via standard employment contracts. Their service is to get travelers from A to B for a fee. Uber, on the other hand, acts as a middle man connecting vehicle owners with travelers for a fee. They're connecting independent contractors to travelers. That isn't the same thing.

So basically, independent contractors shouldn't be regulated while "cab companies" and their employees should be regulated? Are they not providing the same service - livery service?

LOLOLOL

You're saying they are different, yet your description of their "difference" shows they are in the same line of business.

 

[RustyTech]

Cab Co tells Peter to drive Paul to the airport = $40 + regulated
Uber contracts (tells) Larry to drive Paul to the airport = $15 + NOT regulated

Guys, do you really think the above companies are not in the same business? Really!??!?

 

[Phr3d]

So far, people call Uber "competition" right? So if they are competing, that means they are in the same business; if that's the case, why is Uber not subject to the same laws, regulations, and requirements?
That's ok guys, I understand the complexities of critical thinking - it can be difficult for some.

Your comment is actually a critical thinking failure. They are entirely different businesses. Taxi companies provide a taxi service. That is, the cab companies own and maintain their vehicle fleets and maintain a driver pool via standard employment contracts. Their service is to get travelers from A to B for a fee. Uber, on the other hand, acts as a middle man connecting vehicle owners with travelers for a fee. They're connecting independent contractors to travelers. That isn't the same thing.

Particularly because the vehicle owner is not subject to any oversight or regulation - the critical thinking is required when one stops to realize that a restricted license, SR-22 insured vehicle owner can arrive in a car with truly scary brakes and possibly deliver you to your destination without an incident, thereby saving you money.
If, however there Is an incident, your hospitalization is not covered, as the vehicle owner's insurance company will have specific exclusions regarding transportation for hire.
The vehicle inspection, specific licensing and insurance regulations were enacted because it is nearly impossible for a passenger to glean that information on their own.

 

[davislane1]

So basically, independent contractors shouldn't be regulated while "cab companies" and their employees should be regulated? Are they not providing the same service - livery service?

LOLOLOL

You're saying they are different, yet your description of their "difference" shows they are in the same line of business.

They aren't. This is exactly how it works several other industries. For instance, I happen to be an independent contractor. If an equity firm hires me to trade an account, all they are legally required to do is give me the account information and file the appropriate tax returns. No benefits, no "health care", or whathaveyou. However, if I am hired on as an actual employee, I have to be appropriately licensed and be given healthcare insurance, as per federal and industry regulations. I also have a couple family members who work as specialist contractors for two other corporations. Same deal with them -- all the hiring company does is cut a check.

A contractor is not the same as an employee, irrespective of how similar their jobs may be.

The vehicle inspection, specific licensing and insurance regulations were enacted because it is nearly impossible for a passenger to glean that information on their own.

Completely irrelevant. The danger of riding in an Uber vehicle is no greater than riding in any other standard commuter vehicle. They are personal vehicles, not fleet vehicles. The difference between the two could not be more significant.

 

[Darth Shiv]

So far, people call Uber "competition" right? So if they are competing, that means they are in the same business; if that's the case, why is Uber not subject to the same laws, regulations, and requirements?
That's ok guys, I understand the complexities of critical thinking - it can be difficult for some.

The critical thinking... do you mean how Uber has gotten around said laws? And have a passenger pickup model superior to taxis?

Let's be honest. The monetary disadvantage is far from the only problem with taxis.

 

[Jackwoz]

From my experience, Uber provides a better service and its cheaper, which is a plus. The amount of times ive called a taxi and due to the fact it was raining I stayed inside looking out the window for it. I see it pull up, it waits 3 seconds and drives off. Uber on the other hand, waits, calls me or I can call him at any point. The features of Uber are far superior, and this is why I use them. TBH if they cost the same as normal taxis I would still use them due to the points mentioned above.

My 2 cents

 

[Phr3d]

Completely irrelevant. The danger of riding in an Uber vehicle is no greater than riding in any other standard commuter vehicle. They are personal vehicles, not fleet vehicles. The difference between the two could not be more significant.

I believe I am reading what you wrote correctly, is that what you Meant to write?

 

[davislane1]

From my experience, Uber provides a better service and its cheaper, which is a plus. The amount of times ive called a taxi and due to the fact it was raining I stayed inside looking out the window for it. I see it pull up, it waits 3 seconds and drives off. Uber on the other hand, waits, calls me or I can call him at any point. The features of Uber are far superior, and this is why I use them. TBH if they cost the same as normal taxis I would still use them due to the points mentioned above.

My 2 cents

My sister started using Uber recently. Normal cab fare for her travel: $21. Uber fare: $9. Not only that, the vehicles are very clean and the drivers extremely punctual. This is in contrast to the local cabs, which tend to be worn, dirty, and inconsistent.

It's a superior service. Thinking about using them on occasion myself after seeing them in action.

 

[RustyTech]

My sister started using Uber recently. ... It's a superior service. Thinking about using them on occasion myself after seeing them in action.

I know we see Uber differently, but I would highly recommend against participating and working for them. Your sister's insurance is completely Null and VOID when she is driving someone for a fee.

I know some people say Uber has insurance that will cover you - they do not! That law suite that was in the news...the only reason they settled (and paid), was because it was so public; but in-itself it shows that the drivers insurance didn't cover the accident (and death).

I have nothing against Uber-type service, as long as things are properly accounted for - safety and insurance being of most importance.

 

[Rippleman]

Cab Co tells Peter to drive Paul to the airport = $40 + regulated
Uber contracts (tells) Larry to drive Paul to the airport = $15 + NOT regulated

Guys, do you really think the above companies are not in the same business? Really!??!?

End results do not equal same buisiness.

examples:
online taxes vs tax companies
viop phones vs land line phones/cell phones
cremation vs burial
vitaims vs actual foods
car vs train
fast food burger vs homemade burger
etc etc etc

 

[davislane1]

End results do not equal same buisiness.

[...]
cremation vs burial...

/thread