In a statement, Uber highlights that the agreement “introduces a new representation model” tailored to the reality of work through digital platforms, allowing “all drivers and couriers to choose if they want to be represented and how to do so, depending on their levels of activity.”
The agreement is described as a “historic milestone for the sector,” introducing an “accessible and flexible” model, as well as a universal protection mechanism in case of disability or illness and minimum income guarantees in line with the national minimum wage, without compromising the freedom and autonomy that characterize the drivers’ and couriers’ activities.
Through this agreement, Uber’s workforce and SINDEL, affiliated with the UGT, commit to promoting “continuous improvement of platform workers’ conditions through dialogue and transparency between the parties.”
Membership is completely voluntary, ensuring that each worker “maintains the freedom to decide if, when, where, and how they want to work,” with Uber responsible for collecting and transferring to SINDEL the amounts corresponding to membership, based on each driver’s or courier’s activity on their platforms.
According to Uber, two levels of membership are created: a low-cost option (1.5 euros per month), ensuring representation in joint commissions between Uber and SINDEL, and registration as a member, at a value equivalent to 0.75% of their earnings on the platforms (minimum 6.5 euros monthly), with access to all union advantages and services, including legal support and social benefits.
The agreement offers all participating drivers and couriers “insurance that includes protections in case of accident, temporary or permanent disability, illness, parenting, and death.”
The memorandum also establishes that Uber will ensure no courier or driver opting for SINDEL representation “will earn less than the national minimum wage during the periods they are providing services through the platforms, regardless of the prices charged to consumers.”
With a two-year validity, the memorandum signed on Tuesday and set to take effect from January 2026, also stipulates regular meetings for implementation and monitoring of the agreement, focusing on negotiations and dialogue in building solutions for the sector.
Present at the signing of the agreement were Uber’s president, Andrew Macdonald, Portugal general managers of Uber and Uber Eats, Francisco Vilaça and Francisco Jalles Meneses, respectively, SINDEL president, Jorge Canena Santos, and UGT Secretary-General, Mário Mourão.
