Rideshare union pushes for new rules to address drivers bypassing safe work practices

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Concerns have been raised that some rideshare drivers have been working up to 18 hours a day, swapping between apps to make ends meet. The union is pushing for new rules to address problems in the industry.

Transcript

00:00Amy was drawn to the flexibility rideshare gave her while juggling motherhood and health issues.

00:08But she says within the industry driver fatigue is an issue.

00:12Within six months of starting rideshare I had a customer explain to me how exactly to get around the 12 hour time limit.

00:20Those limits are designed to stop contractors driving for too long,

00:24but some say running costs are so crippling they push past the rules.

00:29The mother of two after expenses says she clears $18 an hour.

00:34Fatigue is a real problem, but so is housing insecurity.

00:38The union says some are driving up to 18 hours a day by jumping between apps.

00:43It's calling on the Fair Work Commission to force Uber and DD to share log books.

00:48Well rideshare workers of course are coming to us in their scores now,

00:52telling us horrific stories about how they're just being forced to work terrible hours.

00:57It's pushing for better pay and conditions.

00:59That means that these companies have to be held to account.

01:03At the moment it's a free for all, it's like the wild west.

01:06Rideshare companies responded to the union's concerns by pointing to their fatigue management policies.

01:12They say they take driver fatigue very seriously.

01:16Uber allows drivers to work for 12 hours before an eight hour break.

01:20DD allows its contractors to stay logged on for 13 hours before resting.

01:25Some drivers say it's time for a shake up similar to national truck reforms 11 years ago.

01:31And it's the same issue.

01:32Only without the privilege of a higher end driver's licence.

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