“It’s going super well. There has never been such a large strike in Portugal as now. I can give an example that the price of an Uber tripled on a journey from Almada to Lisbon Airport,” said Tiago Sousa.
Drivers of individual passenger transport vehicles (TVDE) from north to south of the country were mobilized for a national strike against the fare imposed by Uber during two periods of the day: between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
“What we are experiencing today is historic. The drivers are united and finally making themselves heard. Our goal is simple: compliance with Law 45/2018 and the defense of fair working conditions. The platforms cannot continue acting above the law and exploiting the professionals who ensure this essential service every day,” stated Tiago Sousa.
The leader of the Stop Uber movement, which promotes the strike, explained it is not possible to quantify how many drivers joined the protest, revealing, however, that the main goal “is that drivers do not lose income.”
“Drivers are working on the other platform. Bolt is experiencing more demand,” said the official, also reminding that both platforms [Uber and Bolt] “are not promoting fair rides for drivers.”
However, according to Tiago Sousa, at this moment, “Bolt has already increased prices twice this year, and there are guarantees from the president [of the platform in Portugal] that it will increase again.”
According to Tiago Sousa, the largest percentage of driver revenue comes from Uber, with the official providing the example that, “on a trip of 27/28 euros, the driver receives 13 euros while the customer continues to pay a high price” and drivers “receive a small percentage of the trip’s value.”
“Law 45, which states that platforms can only take 25% of the trip’s price, is not being followed,” he accused, emphasizing that the primary aim of today’s action is “to reach a parliamentary group or some entity that can regulate this situation” and, above all, “to enforce the law.”
The movement is pleased with the fact that “there are already members of the Assembly of the Republic requesting additional information so they can act politically on this matter,” considering it “an important sign” that the drivers’ struggle is beginning to be recognized in decision-making circles.
The Stop Uber movement advocates for the initiation of an investigation and audit process into Uber’s charging practices, as well as the application of the penalties provided for in Law No. 45/2018 if violations are confirmed.
It also calls for increased oversight of electronic platforms, ensuring compliance with the law and promoting greater transparency in contracts and the setting of commissions charged by the platforms.
