Fin24 reports that Gauteng's e-hailing partner drivers have slammed their working relationship with Uber and Bolt as "hopeless", saying last week's mediation meetings facilitated by the provincial government failed to address their concerns.
This is according to a memo drawn up by driver representatives following the meetings. The Gauteng provincial government arranged the meetings between the drivers and Uber and Bolt to address driver concerns, particularly the pricing models of platforms that drivers say do not give them enough income. But, the drivers say they feel stonewalled after the platforms declined all of their demands aimed at boosting drivers' income. Among other demands, the drivers want Uber to lower its commission of 25% on all rides. Failing that, drivers say they will settle for price hikes to boost income. "The GEPCO team did everything possible to highlight the challenges faced by drivers based on experience, supporting evidence and scientific calculations and the deductive analysis of mediation outcomes is further evidence that there is no partnership in place between App companies and Drivers and Owners," the group's leaders indicated in their memo. The memo claimed the relationship between operators and app companies was "hopeless", adding that the time had come to move towards "defined and recognised partnership by transforming the industry". The memo said that while further mediation was set for 26 to 30 October, nothing had so far been achieved, leaving partner drivers reluctant to participate further. It said a mass meeting would be convened in early September to chart the way forward ahead of continued mediation.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Fin24
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